Though this may not have anything to do with this article it did bring to mind my current plight.  After losing about nine pounds I have hit a plateau.  Plateaus are killers for anyone trying to lose weight and I often come to the conclusion that perhaps my body just happens to like this particular weight. 

While science has made great strides in working out the details on how to lose weight it seems that most of us are stuck in a rut of weight loss failure.  I know exactly what to do to lose weight I simply lose momentum when I hit these plateaus.  When I first start with a program I am able to fulfill a daily caloric intake that will promote my weight loss, however this same daily intake becomes too little for me once I have lost about 9-10 pounds.  I am more hungry even though I am still eating the same way. I crave carbohydrates and I am much less likely to stop when I should.

I have no trouble maintaining an exercise routine.  So what is happening here.  I cannot seem to find the answer to this question.  Many people will cite lack of willpower but I am not so sure because I do have the will I just do not have the correct tools to deal with this plateau issue in my weight loss.  

I think that in all aspects of our lives we are misled by our own perceptions of our lives.  There are folks who seem to be completely comfortable with smoking and drinking on a regular basis and despite the fact that these things are extraordinarily unhealthy they continue.  Perhaps this weight plateau issue is also a perception problem.  Although it is hard to tell your grumbling tummy that it is only "perceiving" hunger. 

 

Aimeejoe, Great job on losing the 9lbs! That is a great start! Your body does not want to let go of that stored body fat, which can cause the cravings. everyone in my family is obese, and we all have horrible eating habits. Late night ice-cream, southern fried food, homemade candies. I think if you can afford a personal trainer you should hire one. Not only will they get you into your best shape they will also give you nutritional advice. We all need to be held accountable since we cannot do it on our own.

I think body size/weight are not accurately perceptible to the mind at both ends of the weight spectrum.  Anorexia weight loss is not accepted by the person as unhealthy and obese people (I'm on that end) cannot see how big they are without a photo.

With that said, speaking for myself, I know that I'm obese.  I do not need my doctor or strangers telling me what my back, feet, and low energy level shout everyday.  The growing waist line has less to do with the psyche and more to do with modern America including food additives, lifestyle, and portion sizes.

This article is somewhat a put down to overweight people...."If they only knew how fat they really are the would buckle down and lose the weight"...Really?!

 

 

I hear you about loosing a bit of weight and then being really hungry.  I can't tell from your post, for sure if you are a woman, but I think mine are related to my cycle.  I'm have a natural cycle (no bcp) and around ovulation, and continuing for about a week, I'm starving!  By day 5 in my cycle - no worries - it is very easy to be happy eating a smaller amount. I have to eat because I'm supposed to not because I'm hungry.  

My plan is to just ride it out and recognize that I won't loose much weight for 1/2 the month but I'll make up for it the rest of the month.

I find my cycle plays an important role in my general mood and self-image so why shouldn't it affect my hunger.

I hope this helps. 

Unfortunately, I'm not surprised.  Currently, I think, in society these days everyone is in denial about something.  I don't have the money, but I have a credit card, so I have money; I can buy more clothes, besides these pants were 'cut' small', deny, deny, deny.  I must admit, getting older has brought challenges with me gaining weight, but I'm realistic about watching what I eat and yes I fall off the wagon and I'm running behind it sometimes, BUT I know I have to put some effort into the process.  The funniest thing I heard a lady say, who was 'overweight'; Well, if you walk everyday you can eat anything you want.....:O, really?  I wanted to say, I see people walking all of the time and they are still overweight what gives?  My husband and me have realized that we can't go 0-60mph in 2.3mph anymore, and we have to NOT step on the scale, because when the pants fit a little snug, it's time for some changes...........again. Just pay attention to your body and be happy with who you are, fit or fat!

Yes, I know what you mean.  I suspect that this is part of the problem as well.  I am certainly craving more chocolate during the week before.  

It is always good to be reminded of these things.  I think I block it out if you know what I mean.  

Thanks, for responding!! It is a great help

Wow, it was really good to read Aimeejoe's and erinlavers comments in that its good to know I'm not alone! I'm pretty much in the same boat as Aimjoe, lost about 9 pounds and can't get the scale to go any further. And yes its SO HARD to stay motivated and not eat the carbs and ignore the fact your body says "Im hungry".

I do think erinlaver is dead on about our cycle influencing us as well, don't know about the ladies out there but I really only have two good weeks out of the month and the other two are regular roller coasters of mood and weight gain.

Kingtut3rd has a good idea if you can afford a trainer they will work you and make you do wonderfully impossible things you never knew you could...unfortunately if you can't afford one its all up to you or get a friend to motivate, coach or just work out with you.

Also, I work at changing up my work out routine, I'm doing Yoga, swimming, weights, walking and occaisonal jogging even right now. I use to just walk and run on occasion but I learned that we have to fight muscle memory as your body gets use to doing the same work out over and over again it becomes more effecient and you actually burn less calorie wise. Hasn't helped the scale go down yet, but I'm hopeful, and I know its keeping it from going up as I fight my cycle and frustration.

My wish is to find that switch where my metabolism kicks in and starts burning more..its a battle, but it is a battle for our lives. At least that is what I tell myself at the office potlucks, the lunches out, holidays and family gatherings etc...constant vigile on food is exhausting but I keep telling myself it will all be worth it some day.

Good luck to us all people and thank you to those who keep inspiring us and especially to those who struggle with us, you are not alone.

 

Original Post by: win_at_losing

I think body size/weight are not accurately perceptible to the mind at both ends of the weight spectrum.  Anorexia weight loss is not accepted by the person as unhealthy and obese people (I'm on that end) cannot see how big they are without a photo.

With that said, speaking for myself, I know that I'm obese.  I do not need my doctor or strangers telling me what my back, feet, and low energy level shout everyday.  The growing waist line has less to do with the psyche and more to do with modern America including food additives, lifestyle, and portion sizes.

This article is somewhat a put down to overweight people...."If they only knew how fat they really are the would buckle down and lose the weight"...Really?!

 

 

"This article is somewhat a put down to overweight people...."If they only knew how fat they really are the would buckle down and lose the weight"...Really?!"

 

Actually, that was totally the case for me. I knew I was overweight, had no clue I had crossed the line into obese. Turned out I was fine with being overweight.. but wanted nothing to do with being obese! In the 6 months since I found out I was obese I have lost 40 pounds and am now less than 10 pounds away from no longer even being overweight!

Original Post by: win_at_losing

I think body size/weight are not accurately perceptible to the mind at both ends of the weight spectrum.  Anorexia weight loss is not accepted by the person as unhealthy and obese people (I'm on that end) cannot see how big they are without a photo.

With that said, speaking for myself, I know that I'm obese.  I do not need my doctor or strangers telling me what my back, feet, and low energy level shout everyday.  The growing waist line has less to do with the psyche and more to do with modern America including food additives, lifestyle, and portion sizes.

This article is somewhat a put down to overweight people...."If they only knew how fat they really are the would buckle down and lose the weight"...Really?!

 

 

Agreed - This article suggests that people who are so imperceptibly overweight that they are just a few pounds over their textbook weight are threatening their lives. That's ridiculous.

And fat people know they're fat. Most women who aren't fat also think they're fat. I can't attribute the prevalence of obesity to ignorance, at least not ignorance of being overweight. Ignorance of calories and nutritional info, yes.

I was 17 pounds over chart weight.  I was 5'11" and 13 years old.  I wore regular clothes and competed in all sports.  Then my doctor told my mother I was "obese".  So the dieting began and the yoyoing got me to where I am today.  I'm now 5'11", 55 years old, fat and unhealthy.  Other people's ideas about how you should look based on charts and personal preferences can ruin your life.  Try to be real about where you are.  This means owning up to your condition but not letting others shame you into being what they want you to be.  I'll be working on my weight problem forever.  I think it's now become a hobby.  I get thinner and think I've solved the mystery of being healthy and then I eat myself back up to being on all kinds of medication that aren't going to change me.  Life is interesting but never easy.

I think this is a good article, but I can also see that it would be frustrating for some who struggle with body image (and I think we all do at some point).  I am more intrigued by aimeejoe's comments, as it has happened to me before.  Staying in tune with your body (and it's cycles for women) is great and should help when you feel like you are getting off track.  One tip I have read, and I believe it's on this site, is what to do when you hit a plateau.  They do recommend switching it up a little...maybe you do need to add 100 calories to your daily intake for a while, or switch up your exercise routine and try something different.  Aimeejoe...I'd search the topic on these forums...I think you'll find it really helpful and inspiring. 

I keep trying to remember that this is a day to day challenge with no specific deadline, we should all try to be healthy for ourselves and be the best possible "me" no matter what size or shape we are...stick with it! We're all in this together :)

I don't think it was meant to be insulting.  I have struggled with my weight my whole life.   While I have always known I was overweight, pictures of myself would always shock me.   And in the days before digital cameras, by the time you got the photos back, you could always kid yourself that it was just a bad picture.   I eventually had gastric bypass surgery and lost 150 lbs.   Well, I was only about 130 overweight.   It worked the same way, I was SO skinny, and kept hearing about it from everyone.  My family was worried that I was going to go in the OTHER direction.    Now I can look at pictures and I don't even recognize either girl.   I still have problems, each day I look in the mirror...some days I think I look great, and some days...I feel like a fat failure.   FYI- now I'm 15 lbs overweight.   *sigh*

Original Post by: erinlaver

I hear you about loosing a bit of weight and then being really hungry.  I can't tell from your post, for sure if you are a woman, but I think mine are related to my cycle.  I'm have a natural cycle (no bcp) and around ovulation, and continuing for about a week, I'm starving!  By day 5 in my cycle - no worries - it is very easy to be happy eating a smaller amount. I have to eat because I'm supposed to not because I'm hungry.  

My plan is to just ride it out and recognize that I won't loose much weight for 1/2 the month but I'll make up for it the rest of the month.

I find my cycle plays an important role in my general mood and self-image so why shouldn't it affect my hunger.

I hope this helps. 

"This article is somewhat a put down to overweight people...."If they only knew how fat they really are the would buckle down and lose the weight"...Really?!"

No need to be defensive, if you are not the kind of person this article is talking about...

I know people who are totally in denial about being obese. My friend gets mad if anybody talks about dieting and thinks people just need to 'love themselves the way they are.' Nothing wrong with having good self-esteem, but not matter how you view your body, the excess weight carries serious health risks.

Wow! Great article on denial.

I can't help but think that those in denial (about anything) really know the truth already, deep down, but don't want to take responsibility for it. I mean, isn't that the difference between denial and ignorance?

Any addiction has its "demons" that won't settle for a "divorce" unless YOU are clear (about your goals/vision), committed and consistent. Until then, those "thought demons" are simply given free room and board. The adage, "Can two walk together unless they be agreed?" certainly applies here.

In my own experience, my weight-loss IS much more a factor of focused desire than having the right information (I didn't say info wasn't important, just secondary). I think it was Edison who is attributed as saying, "Success is 5% inspiration and 95% perspiration."

Blessings on your commitments today!

Gonna go for my morning power-hike in the hills now!

I was offended by the tone of the article as well, in that, it implied, "if fat people had good sense they would do the right thing."  Any article you read about people who are underweight, the tone is one of, "they have a psychological disorder."  Alcoholics=the have a gene that predisposes them to addiction.  What about people who shop to relieve stress?  Why is it that peopl who are over weight are judged more harshly than alcoholics?  It's not just denial.  It couldbe  equating food with nurturing, not received.  It could be that some one in our life impressed us with the wrong idea that if we are in good shape, we've only done it so we can whore around, or we're not good enough to be sucessful.  Or we consider ourselves better than the other family members sho are also obese.  These are misconceptions that are hard to recognize, much less break out of with out help from mental health professionals.  I can't believe anybody really thinks that when a person who is obese says they are not, doesn't suspect the same kind of mental health issues that created the incorrect body image as anorexics, or the denial of an alcoholic that they are chemically dependent. 

Just because you see a mental health professional, it doesn't mean you're insane.  Most of what psychologists deal with is helping their patience realize from where these ideas have sprung.  A psychologist is an objective third party, not a family member or a friend who might feel threatened that your are trying to make positive changes in your life.  As you can tell, it really makes me mad that overweight people seemed to be judged as lazy and stubborn when other people with problems are given excuses and pardons.  Thanks for listening to my rant.

I think the article got a little confused when it started talking about cross cultural comparison, but it's a pretty good read overall.  The culture stuff probably meant to say that cross cultural comparison showed that the amount of misperception in body image differs over cultural and gender lines, not that cross-cultural comparison causes it...

But yeah, I think there's a pretty widespread denial mentality in the States.  I can't count how many times I've heard people say to me or another overweight/obese person that there's no need for them to lose weight because they were "perfect" just the way they are.  

It's a great self-esteem message, but it's not very accurate for those who are at risk for serious health problems.  On the other hand, what do I expect them to do?  I can't imagine I or others would be very happy if someone said "Daang, well, it's about time you recognized you had to do something about that!"

The topic of weight seems like a classic social "rock and a hard place."

Totally want to thank aimeejoe for her comment. I started off losing about 8 or 9 pounds fairly quickly and easily, but have been frustrated for the past couple of weeks with the scale going up a half-pound and down a half-pound. Good to know it's not just me! Today I switched my exercise routine up a bit and I am hoping that will help. In the meantime, I remain committed to fueling my body adequately; I am in this for the long haul...

Also want to respond to other comments about the article being down on fat people. I disagree. I think the article was pointing out that how we view ourselves is not objective, and in a culture where there're so many seriously overweight people it is easy to minimize our own health situations. We do it all the time - judge ourselves by how others act and look. At least for me, the picture in my head is not the same as the reality. I am always surprised at how chubby I look in photographs...

I think we have to use another measure besides the scale. With that said, I weigh everyday. I shouldn't, but that's my thing. However, a couple of months ago I entered a 90 day fitness challenge. And of course, as we all do, I had a goal of how many pounds I wanted to lose. But this challenge was not based on pounds lost, it was based on the percentage of body fat lost. We did 3 bodpods, one at the beginning, middle and end.  We were also told to take a before photo.

I have to say that the photo was key. I took a picture in jeans that created the lovely muffin top and a swimsuit top. My goal during the challenge was to get rid of the muffin top. I took a picture every two weeks to monitor my progress. At the end of the challenge, I only lost 6lbs, but I lost 3.5% body fat and the muffin top in those jeans. While I still want to lose a few more pounds, I feel like have accomplished a goal. Hope this helps your motivation.

With regard to the craving carbs/cycle thing...I've learned over time that calculating an ounce of nuts with raisins/dried cranberries or an apple with a tablespoon of nut butter into my calorie count at the end of the day if possible 1) gives me something to look forward to so that I can delay the craving, 2) the protein involved seems to quell the hunger and the carbs involved are just enough to offset the carb craving, 3) it tastes great and 4) I've achieved all that without the added guilt of going over the top. And when I want to do that, I try to go for air-popped popcorn. I would love to hear other tips. 

Original Post by: momfromsa

Totally want to thank aimeejoe for her comment. I started off losing about 8 or 9 pounds fairly quickly and easily, but have been frustrated for the past couple of weeks with the scale going up a half-pound and down a half-pound. Good to know it's not just me! Today I switched my exercise routine up a bit and I am hoping that will help. In the meantime, I remain committed to fueling my body adequately; I am in this for the long haul...

Also want to respond to other comments about the article being down on fat people. I disagree. I think the article was pointing out that how we view ourselves is not objective, and in a culture where there're so many seriously overweight people it is easy to minimize our own health situations. We do it all the time - judge ourselves by how others act and look. At least for me, the picture in my head is not the same as the reality. I am always surprised at how chubby I look in photographs...

^this^

Plus Plateaus Oh my word where do I begin??? In two and a half years, not all logged on here, I have lost 77 pounds. This last year has basically been stalemate for me. I currently weigh about 3 pounds lighter than the same time last year.

I have to keep reminding myself that it took time to go on and it will take time to come off. Like momfromsa I am also shocked when I see photographs of me now. I now in a UK 16 (At my worse I was a UK 24) and I feel I'm none too shabby thank you. However then I see photographs I am astounded to see this fat woman wearing my clothes, with my friends and family! Who is she?? My Husband, bless him, keeps saying yes but you are so much slimmer and healthier than you were....even so I have along way to go. SO Plateaus just have to be got through and don't give up and go back to your old eating patterns you'll regret it!

Thank you for another good article.  

I was overweight for about 25-years, and obese for at least the last 10 of that, but I did not know it.  My weight was correct in proportion to those in my inner circle.  I found out that I was obese when I checked the weight chart on the NIH website, and that undelible fact, combined with some other unignorable truths, made me realize that it was time to do something about it. 

The tools on this site made me realize that I could do something about it.  My doctor said that my heart was good, but wouldn't be good for long if I kept my weight where it was.  And all of that turned the tide. 

Facing the truth had to come first. 

I've noticed that since I decided to take that plunge, and proved that it could be done, the people around me are trying a little bit harder to eat better. 

It all begins with me.  I'm the only person who I can change, but maybe when I change, without condeming others, others can see the change and gather some hope that they can change as well. 

Original Post by: aimeejoe

Though this may not have anything to do with this article it did bring to mind my current plight.  After losing about nine pounds I have hit a plateau.  Plateaus are killers for anyone trying to lose weight and I often come to the conclusion that perhaps my body just happens to like this particular weight. 

While science has made great strides in working out the details on how to lose weight it seems that most of us are stuck in a rut of weight loss failure.  I know exactly what to do to lose weight I simply lose momentum when I hit these plateaus.  When I first start with a program I am able to fulfill a daily caloric intake that will promote my weight loss, however this same daily intake becomes too little for me once I have lost about 9-10 pounds.  I am more hungry even though I am still eating the same way. I crave carbohydrates and I am much less likely to stop when I should.

I have no trouble maintaining an exercise routine.  So what is happening here.  I cannot seem to find the answer to this question.  Many people will cite lack of willpower but I am not so sure because I do have the will I just do not have the correct tools to deal with this plateau issue in my weight loss.  

I think that in all aspects of our lives we are misled by our own perceptions of our lives.  There are folks who seem to be completely comfortable with smoking and drinking on a regular basis and despite the fact that these things are extraordinarily unhealthy they continue.  Perhaps this weight plateau issue is also a perception problem.  Although it is hard to tell your grumbling tummy that it is only "perceiving" hunger. 

 

aimeejoe. When you hit a plateau it is because your body is used to your routine. Try changing up your exercise routine so it is more challenging. Normally that is all you need to get over that plateau. Always incorperate weight lifting as well. Since muscle weighs more then fat, and burns more calories per day then fat, it will help you not just get to your goal weight but spped up your matabolism and help you maintain it.

This is coming from someone who used to be obese. I have 2 children and have keept my weight off for a very long time. I have always struggled with my weight. I used to also curse weight loss plateaus. Until I listened to someone about changing up my routine and making it more diffcult also using weights. I was down another 3 pounds that next week and continued. Then hit my next plateau and instead of plateauing for 2 months then just giving up on myself cause " my body wasn't meant to be any smaller". I pushed harder again, and guess what the next week I lost again. Now I am slim and in shape. I can run around with my children, and when 5pm comes I still have lots of energy, not thinking of  a nap on the couch.

 

In my opinion the worst thing we can do is just accept this is the way I am and this is the size my body is, I am big boned, my matabolism is slow... etc. trust me if I can do it, anyone can!! Keep up the great work on your weight loss !!

I also struggled once I'd lost 10 pounds. I bounced around 160-161 for 3 weeks. Then, like magic, I started loosing again. I know for me the key was to eat more calories every other day, and try some different exercise. I spent a whole weekend cleaning and organizing the garage. I started actually walking the dogs, instead of just going down to the end of the block and back. As of today, I'm down 16 pounds, and I can't even tell you how many inches I've lost. I have to wear a belt or all my pants just fall off of me My goal is to get down to 140 at some point this summer. And then perhaps 130 won't be to hard to reach. Onward and Downward.

Original Post by: sonjaspell

I was offended by the tone of the article as well, in that, it implied, "if fat people had good sense they would do the right thing."  Any article you read about people who are underweight, the tone is one of, "they have a psychological disorder."  Alcoholics=the have a gene that predisposes them to addiction.  What about people who shop to relieve stress?  Why is it that peopl who are over weight are judged more harshly than alcoholics?  It's not just denial.  It couldbe  equating food with nurturing, not received.  It could be that some one in our life impressed us with the wrong idea that if we are in good shape, we've only done it so we can whore around, or we're not good enough to be sucessful.  Or we consider ourselves better than the other family members sho are also obese.  These are misconceptions that are hard to recognize, much less break out of with out help from mental health professionals.  I can't believe anybody really thinks that when a person who is obese says they are not, doesn't suspect the same kind of mental health issues that created the incorrect body image as anorexics, or the denial of an alcoholic that they are chemically dependent. 

Just because you see a mental health professional, it doesn't mean you're insane.  Most of what psychologists deal with is helping their patience realize from where these ideas have sprung.  A psychologist is an objective third party, not a family member or a friend who might feel threatened that your are trying to make positive changes in your life.  As you can tell, it really makes me mad that overweight people seemed to be judged as lazy and stubborn when other people with problems are given excuses and pardons.  Thanks for listening to my rant.

I do think that it's unfair that overweight/obese people do not get the same compassion as say an anorexic gets. People use food to medicate just as an addict uses drugs. I really don't think people are that ignorant. Overweight and obese people know they eat too much but they just can't stop. I know people who are overweight who know they need to lose weight. They will exercise but their biggest issue is food. They just eat too much when their stomach starts rumbling. 

However, unlike a drug, people can't just quit food cold turkey. You still need food to survive. How many people say they are only going to have just one serving but end up eating three or four? It is no different than an alcoholic promising to only have one drink but then goes on to drink any entire fifth. On one hand, an alcoholic can abstain from alcohol for the rest of his or her life. A person addicted to food cannot because it is a necessity despite its overabundance.

yay damandakiss!! great work!!! Sounds like you are on your way !!

my father is one of those types of people who don't think they over eat/ are over weight.

he used to work in a shipping yard adn did so much physical activity that he probably needed three and four sandwhiches for lunch, and never gained a pound while working, but now 20 years later and at 64 years old, he still has those same eating habits. not so much at one meal but over eats in general all day (could have like 4 bowls of cereal throughout the day easily last time I payed attention to his eating habits) and doesn't think it's a problem, comes up with reasons he needs to eat so much ("if I don't eat a bowl of cereal before bed, I can't sleep well" I hear alot) and he gets made when you pount out that he just ate two 600 calorie containers of yakisoba and 80% of the sodium he's supposed to have in a day

what makes it even more annoying is when he'll snack on the foods I use for my diet, like my yogurts, my favorite cereal (rice crispies, again he eats alot of cereal so I'm lucky to get two or three breakfasts out of a box) and things like that.

luckily for him, his metabolism is halfway decent still and he's only maybe 220 pounds, because I could easily see him being 300 pounds with the way he eats

Perception is most definitely the key here. The ancient Greeks and Romans had it right. They ate alone, but bathed and toilet'd together. That's sociable, just as we eat for fun, for occasion, for party, for pleasure, for sex etc......

Myself, I don't 'really' believe that I am particularly over-weight. I am a size 16 in leggings and apparently a size 17 in Jeans, (if only they did a size 17!) I think obese is anything much over a size 20, but according to the charts I am whey obese, scale breaking even! When I was 13 years old I remember we had a maths lesson and the subject was mean, median and mode. I'll never forget it because the whole class measured leg, arm, body and height length and finished off with everyone's weight. Oh how I laughed at beng the only girl who was 8 1/2 stone compared to most girls who were 6 1/2 stone. Hell, I was heavier than most of the boys!!! How did I know this? Because we had to read out our own measurements so that the teacher could get the lesson learnt!

It didn't stop in the workplace either, the Friday morning bacon butty, the pub lunch because a hectic or unpleasant morning was had, the afternoon cake lady passing by, well, I work, I deserve it type attitude. Now I have decided to lose weight I am now calorie counting and by have I been missing the point. For someone who doesnt even eat conventional fatty foods, (cakes, crisps, pop, chocolate etc...)I am thinking I bet my calorie intake is well low. Think again!!

I can happily go through one bottle of wine by myself, (but not quite two!), I happily have bread sandwiches through out the day, portions large, and can't resist if there's that bit extra left over from cooking it's a race between my husband and me who can eat it first. Frying meat in oil, my own personal salad mix with a good portion of salt, I do like lashings of condiment be it mustard, mayo or any other sauces, and I do like to make my own chinese with lashings of soy sauce, and I'm wondering why I seem to be overweight!!

Perception mixed with ignorance or just lack of knowledge got me here. I suppose if I can lose weight by cutting my portions and eating more healthy then I might find that I've lost five stone, a size 10/12 then I hope I can be like never here again. But hate myself I do not because I do not believe I am any less of a good person because I am 'big' or unworthy of anyone's time. I find it helpful to update the calorie log first, and if I don't like what I see I he time to change it. Which is what I did yesterday and thank God I did! Who knew shop bought baked beans were so full of salt and sugar???!!!! (Everyone under a size 12 I should imagine!!!) 

Original Post by: patriciaitalia

I was 17 pounds over chart weight.  I was 5'11" and 13 years old.  I wore regular clothes and competed in all sports.  Then my doctor told my mother I was "obese".  So the dieting began and the yoyoing got me to where I am today.  I'm now 5'11", 55 years old, fat and unhealthy.  Other people's ideas about how you should look based on charts and personal preferences can ruin your life.  Try to be real about where you are.  This means owning up to your condition but not letting others shame you into being what they want you to be.  I'll be working on my weight problem forever.  I think it's now become a hobby.  I get thinner and think I've solved the mystery of being healthy and then I eat myself back up to being on all kinds of medication that aren't going to change me.  Life is interesting but never easy.

Patriciatalia sorry to hear that about the dieting thing at 13.  That just sucks.  I agree with you .  You have to accept yourself as you are and not try to please anyone else.  Once you are happy with yourself then weight loss is easier.  Happiness is the key. 

Once when I was younger I weight 200 pounds.  I was in a very unhealthy relationship.  Once I left him it seem like overnight that I lost 60 pounds.  I was just that I wasn't worried any longer and I was happy.  Now I am still happy but love to many foods that are not good form me. So back to trying to drop 50 pounds.

Original Post by: sonjaspell

I was offended by the tone of the article as well, in that, it implied, "if fat people had good sense they would do the right thing."  Any article you read about people who are underweight, the tone is one of, "they have a psychological disorder."  Alcoholics=the have a gene that predisposes them to addiction.  What about people who shop to relieve stress?  Why is it that peopl who are over weight are judged more harshly than alcoholics?  It's not just denial.  It couldbe  equating food with nurturing, not received.  It could be that some one in our life impressed us with the wrong idea that if we are in good shape, we've only done it so we can whore around, or we're not good enough to be sucessful.  Or we consider ourselves better than the other family members sho are also obese.  These are misconceptions that are hard to recognize, much less break out of with out help from mental health professionals.  I can't believe anybody really thinks that when a person who is obese says they are not, doesn't suspect the same kind of mental health issues that created the incorrect body image as anorexics, or the denial of an alcoholic that they are chemically dependent. 

Just because you see a mental health professional, it doesn't mean you're insane.  Most of what psychologists deal with is helping their patience realize from where these ideas have sprung.  A psychologist is an objective third party, not a family member or a friend who might feel threatened that your are trying to make positive changes in your life.  As you can tell, it really makes me mad that overweight people seemed to be judged as lazy and stubborn when other people with problems are given excuses and pardons.  Thanks for listening to my rant.

I agree, it's not just denial - I know I'm fat, but I still have moments when I'm startled when I look at a picture of myself, or catch my reflection in a store window: "Who *is* that fat lady?!" We all have this image in our heads of what we look like, and that image doesn't always keep up with reality. I think no one really sees themself in their mind's eye as what they *really* look like. No, you no longer look the way you did when you were 19 years old, but the mind may not have caught on to that yet!

There are often emotional reasons for plateauing.  Try this:  Sit comfortably in a quiet place.  Think of the weight on which you're stuck.  Ask yourself, "What was happening in my life the last time I weighed this weight?"  And allow a memory to come to you.  You may find there's a good reason your mind is avoiding weight loss below that number.  Once you realize this, you can talk to yourself (kindly!) and move through this plateau--until you hit the next one!  Then do it again.

As much as people want to get offended at this article's message, it's really true. It's not that people who are overweight don't know it... I don't think anyone is saying obese people picture themselves to be supermodels..  but the human mind definitely plays tricks on a person. I've always thought of myself as a relatively thin person, not super skinny, but certainly not fat. I'm tall, so I told myself when I had to move up to 14s that it was just because I was tall so of course I was relatively wider than the average woman. That size 6s weren't made for tall women's figures. We make all kinds of excuses to justify -- mewcat said it best, the image we have in our mind's eye doesn't always jive with what is real or true.

Even when I saw myself in a swimsuit last year with friends, I still didn't really think I had gotten "that fat". It wasn't until I actually bought a scale and weighed myself that I had a shock. I would have told you I was 150, maybe 160... I knew I had gained weight since high school but surely only a few pounds. Well I had actually gained 30 and given myself a BMI of 26... officially overweight though thankfully not yet obese. I mean, that's roughly 3lbs a year... who notices something that subtle?

Because gaining weight is gradual we can let ourselves slip into it. Outgrow one pair of pants, oh they must have shrunk in the wash. Go up a pant size, oh it's just five pounds. Again and again. The human mind is great at this kind of stuff. :)

It's different for everyone though, as to what can be the shock they need to jump start them onto a healthy lifestyle. Some people never do, or don't want to, and that's fine. It swept way too many epiphanies under the rug before I realized I had to change. 

Hmmm I can see not knowing you've crossed the lines between normal/overweight or overweight/obese. And I think the high percentage over overweight Americans always skewed my perspective of what's normal after age, say, 40. I guess I figured it's just normal and acceptable for everyone over 40 to be 10 or more pounds overweight.

In fact, I still think it's more acceptable for people past their 30's to weigh more. Is that wrong? Is it just social conditioning? I dunno. Thin middle-aged people seem strange to me.

I was about 5-10 lbs overweight my entire adult life up until I "made the change" last January. I wish a doctor had recommended I lose weight. Then I would have done it sooner.

It took seeing 151 lbs on the scale at my parent's house over Christmas 2009 for me to say "AAAAHHH!!! I'M FAT!!!" Realizing how "puffed" I looked in pictures was a good wake-up call, too.

And now I'm just working on getting safely and comfortably down within the "healthy" range, edging away from the overweight threshold, so I never have to worry about crossing that line again.

Sorry, rambled...

To those who crave carbohydrates: bread and sugar create a craving for themselves.  I learned for myself  that if I abstain cold turkey from all forms of bread and sugar, I experience much fewer cravings. For me and maybe others, just a little bit does hurt.  I never would have believed I could do it: no bread, rice, cookies, cake, potatoes, pasta! And I feel much less hungry.  Whenever I go back or celebrate a holiday, the next few days I notice a feeling of being much more hungry.

 

For me it's hard to tell if I'm *really* unhealthy or not.  I weigh a lot, but I've been told I don't look it.  I count calories and do at least 1 hr of hard cardio 5-6 days a week.  I do have the "pooch" most women dread, and some yucky thigh fat, though I've heard thigh fat is less of an indicator of health than stomach fat.  I've been to the doctor twice this year and they've weighed me in but seem surprised by my weight and don't tell me to lose any.  My self-esteem is kind of in the crapper, though, where appearance is concerned so I'm too scared to outright ask a doctor if I should lose weight.  If they told me I had to, I'd probably still keep doing what I'm doing (I couldn't eat any fewer calories and still be healthy) but I'd be depressed while doing it, so what's the point in that?  I weigh myself regularly now to track my progress and am seeing 1-2 lb lost every 1.5 weeks or so, but I think I am still in denial somehow since I prefer to handle this myself without asking my doctor.

I think a lot of Americans are in denial about their weight because their overeating is tied to emotional issues, and being told they're "obese" translates in their minds to "you're fat, which means you're ugly and nobody likes you and you should be ashamed and replace your wardrobe with muumuus." 

D  e  n  i  a  l 

Is the acronym for...

D - don't 

E - even

N - no

I -i

A - am   ,   L - lying.

 

 

 

 

What aimeejoe is experiencing is homeostasis -- your body's natural instinct to stay where it is, basically. Most people recommend eating smaller meals more often, and that's worked for me.

I honestly don't think people who overeat KNOW that they are eating too many calories.  I saw a documentary on a 900 lb. woman, and she tells the camera that she hardly eats anything...you KNOW that can't be true!  And yet her perception was that she ate very little.

Once I started looking up the calories of the foods I was eating, I was really surprised at what I found.  I had no idea a slice of bread was 100 calories, a cup of cooked pasta was 210 calories, and a bottle of beer was over 150 calories.  It really made me aware of the choices I could make to lower my calorie intake without feeling deprived. 

A lot of people I know who are trying to lose weight tell me that they don't eat junk, and they eat healthy foods.  They just have no idea that the calories in healthy foods add up just the same as the calories in junk foods.  They choose not to accept that they are taking in more calories than they need or use, and they continue to make the same mistake over and over.

When I was heavy, I did not think I was obese.  Now that I have lost 50 lbs, everyone recognizes that I have gotten thinner, but I don't perceive myself as thin.  It's a very odd situation: my clothes are smaller, I have more energy and I am able to move my body in ways I could not before, but "thin" is a weird concept for me, and I think for now I will reserve that term for use with other people.

I dieted all my life and was obese all my life. Every time I dieted I would have a short period of overeating once the "diet" was over and would end up a little or a lot heavier than what I had started out with. Medical problems finally made losing weight through normal means impossible and I underwent Weight Loss Surgery. I have now lost almost 90 lbs with about 35 to go and I'm stuck. I was never oblivious of my weight problem, if anything, I was always all too aware of it. I still feel huge and those 35 extra lbs. weigh heavy on my consiousness. At the age of 55 now, it seems that such a small thing shouldn't bother me, but it does. I think the article is wrong. Most people are all too aware of just where they fit weight-wise with the rest of society even if they don't admit it. They might just be incapable of losing their excess weight through "normal" means (dieting) so they chose to pretend ignorance.

People need to stop being sensitive about the fat/obese issue. The truth of the matter is, being quite overweight (not like, 3 or so pounds like someone mentioned) or obese is not healthy. I'm not talkin about really tall people, naturally thick (not fat) people, or musclely people so I think we should stop using those excuses. I think this article is fine. I'm overweight and I take no offense to it and I think it speaks the truth. We, as a society, have gotten so comfortable with being overweight, we try to defend it when in reality, it's hurting us. I mean, I told my friends I wanted to lose about 30 pounds and they might as well DISCOURAGED me. They said "Oh, you're fine! You're beautiful! You don't need to lose weight." and my reply is weight does not affect beauty. Weight does not affect who I am. Yes, I love myself regardless of my weight. But I want to be healthy. I want to be able to run around with my kids one day. I want to be able to wear whatever dress I want. I want to be more comfortable with myself. My weight affects my health and I want to control it. I'm not saying everyone who's overweight needs to diet immediatly, but it's only fair to let them know what is it they're doing to their body. And I don't think many people do. I think some of you would be surprised by how many people don't know about basic nutrition, such as calories.

Original Post by: win_at_losing

I think body size/weight are not accurately perceptible to the mind at both ends of the weight spectrum.  Anorexia weight loss is not accepted by the person as unhealthy and obese people (I'm on that end) cannot see how big they are without a photo.

With that said, speaking for myself, I know that I'm obese.  I do not need my doctor or strangers telling me what my back, feet, and low energy level shout everyday.  The growing waist line has less to do with the psyche and more to do with modern America including food additives, lifestyle, and portion sizes.

This article is somewhat a put down to overweight people...."If they only knew how fat they really are the would buckle down and lose the weight"...Really?!

 

 

I so totally agree, that we see ourselves as "fat-fluffy-curvy-whathaveyou" but sometimes we just need a little push in the direction to help open our eyes to what really is going on. 

 

I was always ok with being 20 or 40 or even 60 pounds "overweight" not really thinking about being "overweight" and then it turned into being obese. I felt as long as I was happy, and living the life I wanted to live, the few extra pounds did not matter. I had high cholesterol, I was always tired,  and a helava time finding clothes I liked to wear, but was still not ready to make the life changes needed. And then my mom had a heart attack as a result of high cholesterol and it really opened my eyes to see its not about the weight, as much as it is about being happy AND healthy.

I have lost almost 50 pounds and finally am on the right path to being truly happy while being healthy. 

Original Post by: amelialynn

People need to stop being sensitive about the fat/obese issue. The truth of the matter is, being quite overweight (not like, 3 or so pounds like someone mentioned) or obese is not healthy. I'm not talkin about really tall people, naturally thick (not fat) people, or musclely people so I think we should stop using those excuses. I think this article is fine. I'm overweight and I take no offense to it and I think it speaks the truth. We, as a society, have gotten so comfortable with being overweight, we try to defend it when in reality, it's hurting us. I mean, I told my friends I wanted to lose about 30 pounds and they might as well DISCOURAGED me. They said "Oh, you're fine! You're beautiful! You don't need to lose weight." and my reply is weight does not affect beauty. Weight does not affect who I am. Yes, I love myself regardless of my weight. But I want to be healthy. I want to be able to run around with my kids one day. I want to be able to wear whatever dress I want. I want to be more comfortable with myself. My weight affects my health and I want to control it. I'm not saying everyone who's overweight needs to diet immediatly, but it's only fair to let them know what is it they're doing to their body. And I don't think many people do. I think some of you would be surprised by how many people don't know about basic nutrition, such as calories.

True True True. 

 

I can see where perception can keep you from losing weight. I know I'm overweight and am trying to lose weight, but I still don't think of myself as someone who is huge or obese. I have lost 16lbs so far, and will need to lose about 85 more to reach my goal. That is 100lbs that i need to lose. I saw a picture of 100lbs of fat, and think how could that be on my body? I just don't see it. Or I'll see other obese people and think they look obese, but in actuality I probably need to lose more to be in a healthy weight range than they do! Sounds judgemental and hypocritical (and it is), but it is hard for me to see it on myself.

When it comes to people that are within a few pounds of a healthy weight they may not realize they are in the unhealthy range. While I don't think it is good to pressure people to weigh a certain amount based on a chart, it is a guide. I hate to hear stories like patriciaitalia's where there is probably a cause for the excess weight (most likely muscle in her case since she was active in sports). I would like to see more people (including ME) to take a stand to be healthy and active instead of skinny being the goal. I want to look good just as much as the next person, but I know that eating better and being active will lead to that. Even the "before the weight gain" me was considered fat on those charts, but it didn't hurt my feelings any. I was happy with the way i looked, and will be happy with myself at that weight and fitness level when i make it back there.

The article was right on the money. I can remember a fellow fat friend, and I, walking down the street, and her asking, "Am I that fat?" when she'd spy another fat person nearby. Correct answer was always, "No, you're not as fat as that." I'd ask the same question from time to time, and my friend would lie to me. "No you're not THAT fat." I could not SEE myself accurately.I could not rely on a fellow fat friend to see me accurately.

More importantly, I was disconnected from the health effects of obesity EVEN THOUGH I COULD FEEL THE EFFECT ON MT BODY! Knees aching, and hips, for instance. The size of my clothes kept increasing, and they kept making bigger sizes. 1x became 3x became 4x. The size of chairs began to shrink. (My first thought, until someone said, "No we're bigger. These chairs are the same size they've always been." Then the fear I might break a chair, began to seep into my brain. (But not the commitment to stop overeating.)

Too, the truth is I don't find fat bodies repulsive, or unattractive. I think fatter is cuter, to tell you the truth. On one hand, I think that's okay and has to do with fat acceptance. On the other hand, it's self delusional for me to think I'm cute when I can't pick up my feet to walk. I tip like I'm walking on hot coals, all because of the fat impeding my mobility. Well, enough is enough.

After suffering several months of complications, post elective surgery. Complications caused by the inability of fat tissue, around my abdomen, to fight infection because fat tissue has poor circulation!!!! I'm finally getting serious about the fat armor I wear. Armor I've used to protect myself from feelings of fear, loss, loneliness, sadness; has to be cast off. I have to find healthier ways to manage my emotions.

Lately, now that I'm on calorie count, I'm "seeing" myself for the first time in a long time. The muscles at the front of my thighs are non existent. Bags of fat-rocks beneath my skin. And I have those teeny elbows buried in fat, the same as my much older Aunts used to have. I had such an affection for my fat Aunties. Our family would order everyone's favorite fast food chicken, so everyone would be "happy." KFC, Church's, Popeye's, all on one table. When my fat cousins and fat aunts would visit food was our number one entertainment, and community event. Staying indoors talking and laughing all day, watching television, off and on, that was it for their entire one week visit. My sisters, and I, weren't fat yet! Now we are. I am.

At 50 plus I've loaded on the pounds decade by decade. Now I'm a fat Auntie. But I'm getting smart, finally. Lost 12 pounds in the past 2 months. Longest I've ever stuck with a nutrition/weight loss plan. I'm very proud of myself. And thankful for ccount. This site makes my journey the easiest it's ever been. Also I'm inspired by fear, at last.

Fear, the great motivator. Even with all the fat, some of us carry, my family is long lived. Oldest, an 108 year old uncle. 106.5 year old aunt. These two were normal weight. But lot's of my fat relatives lived into their mid 80's. I've got my eye trained on the next 20 years or more I may be on the planet. I don't want to be sick because I've been a glutton my  entire life.

Yes, a glutton. This has been an area of moral weakness, for me. The one place I placed no limits, set no boundaries: food! I ate every celebration food I desired, day and night, until I was overstuffed and satiated and so dull of mind and body I could not move. This is the naked truth people. I used food like an addict. Now I'm having to feel my real self, and I've been away from me for a long time.

I'm joyful today. I've just dropped below the big 3zero, zero, zero. I'm heading toward the healthier weights of my 40's (the 200's), then my 30's (The 165-185, and finally, maybe, my 20's. 150-165 pounds or so. I looked good. I felt good. I could move without feeling as if I was dragging an anvil through gravel. (Smile)

Reality is like a bucket of cold water in the face, sometimes. I'm glad to finally open my eyes and really see myself. Oh, and I'm never hungry now. I eat huge bowls of salad, before I eat my protein or starch portion. I'm eating fruit 2-3 times each day. I'm eating between 1700-2000 calories a day. 100% nutritious food. I'm 5'8. My BMI is currently 50%. My current weight 297. I'm losing about 2 lbs per week. I'm beginning formal exercise today. But for the past two months, I've been upping my activity level. Walking more when I do errands. Dancing behind the shopping cart, lifting my knees to march down the aisle or dance instead of walking. I'm keeping my house a lot cleaner, since house cleaning is an "activity." Point? Less couch time!

Today I'm adding real exercise because those fat rocks on the front of my thighs are unattractive, even under pants. ( The thinner fabrics of spring and summer are not good camouflage.)  I'm going to strengthen my quadriceps with squats and lunges while I'm watching television. I'm moving my exercise equipment to the television area. (People, I had to look up the term "quadriceps". These muscles are important for "virtually every lower body movement." Like walking? Duh! LOL)

Thanks to everyone for your posts.

 

Yeah, I agree with the article.  I didn't realize I was that fat.  I knew I had grown out of my dress up clothes, but I never liked being photographed and never really saw myself in pictures.  I really didn't know how big I was.  It's pretty amazing and scary when your eyes are opened to the truth....

I don't think this article is trying to put anyone down. It's not saying people are too stupid to know they are overweight, it's saying that perceptions of what overweight even is are distorted. People don't recognize overweight as overweight, but they see it as normal, even healthy.

When everyone around you is overweight, then you feel normal. Not only that, but a healthy weight & size begins to look "thin" by comparison. As someone who is at a healthy weight,  I have gotten "skinny" comments my whole life, insinuations I must have an eating disorder, etc. And yet, I am healthy. The problem is, people think that overweight is healthy because it is average now. Average is not healthy anymore.

So people who are overweight may see nothing wrong with it, because they are just like everyone else around them. When you get used to something & see it as normal, then you have a hard time seeing it as a problem. Add to that the backlash against thin women (any woman who has a low, but healthy BMI gets bashed now, whereas women with overweight BMIs are praised as role models), and perceptions of what is healthy distort further.

Thank you Hannakitty, you are very inspirational. I too am near the same weight as you except for one slight difference; I have severe rheumatoid arthritis in my knees and find walking, let alone standing very painful. I still try to do things like shopping but it's so hard. I will put if off for weeks until I have no choice but to go to get groceries. I found ccount a little over a month ago, and I log ever morsel I put into my mouth religiously but the weight just isn't coming off very much. I'm only allowing myself to eat between 1000 to 1500 because of my lack of activity, I know I need to eat less but I'm not going to give up!

If anyone who is over weight gets anything out of what I'm trying to say, I hope it will be that IF YOU ARE ABLE TO MOVE, DO IT WHILE YOUR BODY WILL LET YOU, cause if you lose that ability the fight will be much greater to lose than you can ever imagine.

Another note would be that I've cut the carbs down to almost nothing and ever though I'm eating fewer calories I'm never hungry. The lean protein, fresh fruits and veggies are very satisfying.

Sorry ajgrace, my comment was meant for your story.

I have always been skinnier "in my head" than in the mirror. Still, I have always been honest to myself about the amount of weight my body has on it, and accepted that I am overweight early on. The pounds I acknowledged, but the image still never matched completely.

What I've done, though, is use this as a tool to get me into shape and eating healthier. Now I say to myself, "the me in my mind should match the me everyone else sees", and this has become one form of motivation for me.