A
female
age
51-59,
anonymous
writes:A combination of menopause and necessary medication is making it extremely hard for me to lose weight . The medication is actually what caused the weight gain and through working with my dr I did try alternatives but nothing else seemed to work for my chronic condition I'm becoming extremely depressed about my weight ( I'm about thirty pounds overweight ) however I simply cannot give up these Meds .I am being very strict with diet and exercise and have been for a long time but lose absolutely nothing . It simply doesn't budge How do I come to terms with this is how I may remain forever . I feel absolutely ugly and ashamed
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female
reader, aunt honesty  +, writes (3 March 2017):
 Tell me what are you eating daily and I will see if I can help make some changes for you?
Yes I do understand the tablets are what is causing the weight gain but diet wise maybe I can help. You can send me a private message if you wish.
A
female
reader, Honeypie +, writes (27 February 2017):
 Talk to your doctor. And then see a dietitian.
It took me 8 months of exercising and changing my eating habits before I lost ANYTHING and I really wanted to give up, but I didn't. Lost 60 lbs over a year. ( that is, it actually took 20 months, as I didn't lose much the first 8 months, mostly I think because I was losing fat and gaining muscle - muscle weighs more than fat.)
I gave up sugar and white rice, bread, and pasta. It made such a difference.
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A
reader, anonymous, writes (26 February 2017): How can you accept it? Go find some body positivity at any size websites. Look at the pictures and realize that humans come in all shapes and sizes. They also have great communities for body acceptance. For example look up the website "ohwhatalovelypear" for pear shaped women. There are others for other body types...and some for all body types...
You can accept your new body once you realize that while you may be able to work toward small reductions in weight, you will likely never be thin again. That isn't a bad thing. Change is part of life, and in time I hope that you can view your new body as beautiful in its own way.
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A
male
reader, Garbo +, writes (26 February 2017):
 I would not accept the fact that 30 pounds overweight is a permanent condition. You are of age that hormonal imbalances in both men and women occur. I would go get all of them looked at, not just the amount of say estrogen you have but also what is the ratio of it to say progesterone or your DHEA etc. Lot of meds disrupt these hormonal balances but doctors are not interested in dealing with that because accumulation of fat is not an overt symptom of anything to them. Take those results to several specialists, some who know these hormonal ratios with respect to fitness. Also, check out some supplements that would improve your workout rate in the gym. So don't give up. Diet is only one aspect. Gym another but hormones and supplements are two others that you need to look at.
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A
female
reader, YouWish +, writes (26 February 2017):
 Speaking as someone who also takes medication that can have that side effect, I can tell you that spending time with a dietitian is *the* saving grace, and has kept me in shape when other people have gained easily 100+ pounds in the same boat I am. A dietitian will take stock of your personal metabolism and come up with a way to maximize it.
Another thing I learned is that strictness must be directed. Sometimes habits we believe are good for us can sometimes be counterproductive, and serve to wreck our metabolism and cause the weight gain we think we're guarding against.
See a dietitian. Get a comprehensive plan for YOU, because medication changes the rules.
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A
female
reader, anonymous, writes (26 February 2017): I have been overweight since puberty due to hormone issues and polycystic ovary syndrome (and obviously some unhealthy eating decisions) but this condition and the birth control I take to try to help control it makes it really hard to lose weight. But I HAVE lost weight. So it is not impossible. I lose very slowly and weirdly due to my hormone cycle (stay the same for three weeks then lose 1/2lb). You will find it harder to lose weight bur your body should still react to toning. So do some research and find out the best exercises to tone your muscles and adjust your shape. Take your measurements monthly to see if they change. Consult a professional about the right amount/intensity of exercise you should be doing to see results. Can you ask your doctor for a referral to a nutritionist or dietician to help you find the right lifestyle for you? The issue is if you get to desperate and drop calories and foods too much, your body will over react and make it even harder to lose.I don't know the exact answer for you other than to seek referral for professional advice. Make sure you keep a food diary of everything you eat and how many calories it is so you have evidence of your starting point, in case there is anything obviously causing a problem. (as an example, this doesn't mean secretly eating biscuits. I found that due to my condition I shouldn't have dairy or too much sugar - similar to a diabetic, and since making these changes the weight has started to move, however slowly). A food diary is good practice when trying to lose weight. My point is, please don't give up. Exercise daily helps the feeling of depression by releasing good chemicals in your brain. I was 18 stone and now I'm 14.5stone. It's taken a couple of years, there are no quick fixes, but I've never regained what I've been losing and it's still going. I'd recommend searching for the NHS 12 week plan forum which is free to join. Not run by the NHS, but full of supportive people in similar situations.There is hope. Try to get support. Also remember, your weight is not all you are. You are so much more than how you look. Try to build your confidence up if you can. Wear clothes to flatter your new shape. Treat yourself to nice outfits and get your hair done if it helps. Best of luck. You're not alone in your struggles.
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A
female
reader, Madhura  +, writes (26 February 2017):
Dear Friend
Point number one, you should consult doctor to reduce weight. Visit diatician. She can guide you better. Keep your exercise and walking on to remain fit.
2nd point, outer beauty is never everlasting. The beauty of your own self should be enough to attract people. If someone loves you for your body, he is not loving you, he loves the flesh. So be confident. Go ahead in life..
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