Hi everyone! My name's Sarah and I've joined these forums to get a little support and maybe a little knowledge while I try to lose weight.

I have been overweight/obese for almost my entire life. At least, since I was 7 or 8; I am now 24. My BMI is over 30, which means I am obese (5'7"/250lbs). I'm not trying to say I am not culpable for my current weight, but I do feel as though making healthy lifestyle choices was never really... part of the program for my parents. So basically, I am dealing with a lifetime of poor choices in regards to food and exercise and keeping fit in general, trying to re-teach myself healthier behaviors.

A couple of years ago, I was on a path to weight loss. I had lost 30 or 40 lbs, was making very good food choices, riding my bicycle everyday, and best of all? I felt GREAT. Then, I broke my leg in a bicycle accident. It really set me back. Afterwards, there was a very difficult period in my life which made it basically impossible to be motivated towards my fitness goals.

But now! I have a job I really enjoy, I am starting my first term of college in just a couple weeks, and... so many positive things are happening, I feel like this is the time. The time to reestablish my weight goals and to be motivated towards them!

So, I've been somewhat keeping track of my calorie intake, trying to make more nutrient-rich/low in fat food choices, drinking more water, trying to ride my bike more, etc. I think I'm interested in keeping a food journal, to keep myself accountable.

Basically, I'm excited to be here and have some kind of a support system, haha. Sorry this was such a long post!

That wasn't long... my intro was like 17 times that! I am just a chatty person!

It is hard to lose weight when your family eats in a certain way. My family is the other way round, they are all slim to skinny, my sister is one of those 100 pound people who does not put on weight no matter what, my brother is also very slim (despite a constant influx of cookies in his diet) and my parents are both slender... and while I am not really very overweight, I was always the biggest in the house (in proportion to my height).

I put on a lot of weight lately while going through a very tough period as well, I could not really do anything other than eat to make myself feel better and so I regained about 25 pounds I had lost before. But I am back in the saddle, and so are you! Literally in your case!

All the best, Mila

Oh gosh, I know some of those people. My best friend, in fact, is one of those. You know, those people who can eat like a horse, as much junk food as they'd care to indulge in, and stay slim! It's really not fair, the metabolic rate in people should be more evenly distributed! haha.

Thanks for your support and responsiveness, Mila. :]

Hey I'm the same age. I totally get how hard it can be when you've grown up with a lifetime of bad habits and still live in that environment—I was overweight and obese since I was a kid too. Luckily your success can inspire your family and thus make it easier on yourself! My family eats pretty healthy now and it's certainly made my life easier.

Good luck and welcome to 3FC! Be sure to join us in the 20 somethings forum

Hi Sarah. Welcome.