But not in a good way.

Hi folks! I'm new around here. Little background on myself. I'm 29 (next week!) And I just hit 300 lbs on my scale. My weights been slowly creeping up over the weeks and now I've hit my rock bottom. When I was religious about dieting and exercising, I got down to around 250lbs. But between a death in the family and just generally crappy eating I'm now at 300lbs.

I feel so depressed and disgusted with myself for letting it get so out of control. I'm also afraid to work out, because with my weight gain I've lost my drive and stamina. I used to crush a 30 min jog, but now walking for 15 minutes gives me lower back pain.

I guess I'm looking for some advice on how to start again. How long should I be working out at this weight? I'm afraid of pushing myself too hard and keeling over. I know it sounds dumb but all I think about is how I don't wanna die at this weight or being so heavy being the cause of it.

Thanks for listening

Hey SilentBlues. So sorry for your loss.

I know it's hard to let go of that negative self-image when you're so disappointed in yourself, but talking down to/about yourself helps nothing. Try not to waste time focusing on where you went wrong, instead concentrate on the better choices you can make now.

I hit 300lbs at age 28 (about a year and a half ago) and felt the immediate urge to get back into the 200s because I had clearly crossed the line. The determination lasted all of a week or two before I let myself sink back into depression and put on another 37 lbs, just for good measure.

So now I'm back to working on it. I feel you on the exercise being very different at this weight, especially on my joints. There's the obligatory "consult with your doctor" advice, which, honestly, I've never followed myself. I just take it easy and try not to compare my speeds and distances to what I used to do. I've had to accept where I'm at now and am working to improve from this point.

I don't really jog at this weight because of the stress on my knees, but I walk, bike or do the elliptical. Some days I can put in an hour at the gym by pacing myself, other days, I'm wiped after 20 minutes. Listen to your body. While fitness is certainly important, eating habits are what really make the difference for me in weight loss.

Good luck on your journeys