Hello, I'm a 28 year old guy who up until 2009 never had to worry about weight or dieting. This is hard to write (hard to admit)- but since late 08/early 09 I have gained almost 120 pounds (ugh). I currently weigh 293 pounds (double ugh). My body mass index has gone from from around 23.7 to 39.7 (triple ugh).

It really hit me that I'm only 7 pounds away from the 300 mark & only two pounds shy of being considered morbidly obese (BMI)... I don't like what I have done to my body, and I need to stop my constant eating of junk and late night snacking, because if I don't well, I don't want to go there.

The fact I gained so much weight in such a short time is humiliating. The innocent stares of disbelief I get from my friends and family is embarrassing. But I accept what is done is done, and I hope I can turn my frustration into positive action. I'm hoping to turn over a new leaf, I figure with the arrival of spring, this is the time of year for symbolic new beginnings. I want to be slim again, I want to make it happen!

Welcome. I am no stranger to the world of dieting, and I understand how frustrating things can be. Have you decided on a specific diet plan to help you? Or have you decided to do anything special to help you on your weight loss goal?

Well, my plan is pretty simple. No more late night eating, no more junk food, no more soda, start eating healthy foods, limiting my self to 1600-1700 calories a day and getting at least 20 minutes of exercise a day.

I have my menu for tomorrow or (today I guess) already planned out
breakfast: a bowl of Total, stonyfield farm yogurt and a banana
lunch: a salad and some almonds
supper: salmon & sweet potato
snack: carrots and light veggie dip

If I struggle and find I can't do it myself then I probably will swallow my pride and join Weight Watchers, but I think I can do it.

Sounds like you have a pretty solid plan for yourself, just hope it works!! By the way, Im not putting Weight Watchers down or anything, but if you want to join a support group and money is tight.. check out a local TOPS chapter which you can find at www tops org. They are a great group and membership is CHEAP! $26 a year and $5 a month.. a ton less than weight watchers!! But good luck with your goal, no matter what choice you make

Hey! Welcome!! Your plan does sound good! This website has been really helpful to me and I hope it helps you as well. I know how you feel and sometimes it can be really hard, but your making the right choices now so congrats on that! Good luck on your journey!!

thank you for the link, definitely worth looking into.

And good luck with your goal as well!

thank you for the encouragement, I can't wait until I start dropping this weight. And good luck on your continuing journey & success.

Hi there.

I'm curious....were you put on some sort of medication or did you develop any medical conditions that altered your metabolism, etc.? I'm wondering, mainly due to the fact that you said you'd never had a weight problem or had to diet before.

Do you take any medications or have any medical conditions?

Best of luck. Men usually lose weight much faster than women do.

deena

Best of luck to you and what you are planning on doing sounds great you accomplish your goal with no problems..

Hi, no medication or medical condition (to my knowledge) that caused the weight gain. I began gaining weight after I was laid-off from my job, my weight began to spiral out of control, I lost discipline and I developed extremely unhealthy eating habits to say the least. Even when I found a temporary part time job my out of control eating continued and I guess I probably gained on average 8 to 10 pounds a month. So I have no excuse.

Thank you for wishing me luck. I wish the same for you

Good luck with your plan! Sounds like a good one. I know exactly how humiliating it is to see family and friends who haven't seen you since 50 or 100 pounds ago. I wish you the best.

Good luck to you! Losing weight is simply burning more calories then you consume and you seem to be on the right track. The diet industry makes a lot of money off us so they certainly want it to seem more complicated. But the key is to do what is good and right for you to succeed. Only you know what that is!