Hey everyone!
 

Hey! My name is Deanna, and I'm here to get tips and information on losing some weight. I am 23 years old, 5'7" and weigh 350 pounds. My weight goal is somewhere around 180 pounds, which was my healthy weight before all the gain. For years, I gained weight which originally started because of problems with my thyroid being underactive. It seems to be more under control, so now I am hoping I can actually lose the weight, since my thyroid made it extremely difficult to lose.

The reason my target weight is around 180 and not lower is because a good part of my weight is in muscle. I used to do a lot of performance training, and when I last weighted 180, I was at my peak physical condition. I'm naturally built fairly wide and big, so I don't think I could weight a lot less than that without being unhealthy. This is what my doctor determined was a good goal. Despite my weight, I don't have high blood pressure, and my cholesterol isn't bad either. I fear this may change, but I just need to start working out before it becomes an issue.

So I'm here to find information and talk to other people, and I suppose to get support as well. This has taken a toll on my mentally because doing things I love has been harder. I still run and play and tennis, plus lift weights on occasion, but it's much harder on my body now than it used to be. So here's hoping I can lose the weight.

Hi Kvelertak! :welcome: You will find lots of support here! As you browse the forums, be sure to check out the "20-Somethings" under Support Groups, as well as the Fitness Forum. Also, there are many great challenge threads under "Chicks Up for a Challenge" under Support Groups. Newbies are always welcome here, so jump right in! Good luck!