Living in LA, in an intensely image-conscious culture is not easy, least of all if one's overweight. Sometimes, I like to joke that I'm the only fat chick in LA, though I know that's not true. Maybe there are others, on this forum, even.
Now you know how I found the forum. I'm in graduate school, working on a PhD and nearly done with it now. Unfortunately, qualifying, researching a dissertation, and writing one all involve many sedentary hours at desks in libraries, cafes and apartments. Teaching involves grading and that doesn't mobilize the rest of my time, either. I have gained about 50 pounds while in graduate school. My weight has fluctuated so much during this time for various reasons that involve starting and stopping exercise and fitness routines. I hate my body and how I feel in it, so I decided to do something about it and I'm committing to a new weight reduction plan. To that end, I'm joining your group. My family lives several states away, my fiance is in another country, and my friends are really mostly just colleagues from school/work who I can't talk to about this kind of thing. The people in my closest circle don't quite understand what I'm going through. The fiance is rather into fitness and body-sculpting and has never struggled with his figure. My sisters are both new mothers and have different body concerns. And, talking to colleagues about personal stuff can be a little embarrassing, even when they're you're friends. It's easy to get depressed about the whole thing.
Being at the threshold of so many life changes, I feel that it's important to be comfortable in myself, and right now, that has a lot to do with my body. I'm hoping to graduate in December 09 and will be looking for a new job soon. My partner and I are planning to get married in October and hope to start a life together. Both are motivating factors in committing to losing weight. But, my desire to lose weight also comes from a desire to feel comfortable in my body, to have more energy, and to avoid health problems like diabetes that run in my family.
I look forward to getting to know you and sharing our experiences on this journey.
