[Katie 2003]

Hiya,
I'm Katie and I've always been interested in weight loss, keeping fit and body image, especially the ways in which, as women, we all feel the pressure to be thin and the ways in which we grow up disatisfied with our bodies (too fat, too short, fat thighs ect..). Anyway, I'm doing some reserach and writing an article on women and weight loss. I'm from the UK, working on a research project at the University of Sheffield Anyway, I've been reading through these forums and I'm really impressed at what a supportive environment this is - it seems like a lively forum and I was hoping you wouldn't mind me asking about your weight loss and Xenical use? I'm interested in the way feel about weight loss; the ways you achieve your goals; what motivates you; what makes you use weight loss drugs; the way you you feel when you reach your goals and how you feel about the medical profession and the way in which they treat you. And you get the pills you need on prescription, or do you have to go elsewhere.

I hope you can help me - any feedback will be much appreciated. If you prefer you can contact me on [email protected]
Many thanks in advance,
Katie

[Smiling Sal]

Hi Katie,

Have never used drugs to lose weight and have lost 2 stone - well had until I had a blip last week.

Personally, the idea of using drugs to lose weight horrifies me.

Would need to seriously consider the following before I even thought about it.

What are the side affects ?
how does it actually work ?
what happens when I stop taking it ?
how will I feel when I go cold turkey
will my old eating habits return if I stop taking it or do I have to take it forever to stay slimmer?

These would be some of the questions I would have to ask myself. I would have to be really desperate before taking anything like Xenical.

I'm sure there are people on this site who take it, many for medical reasons and I'm sorry if they think my attitude stinks, but to me Xenical is just another drug. If the doctor said taking a class A drug like herieon (sp?) would make you lose weight, would they be so keen to take it as well.

I am motivating myself to lose weight by becoming more healthy, by making better choices and improving my life. As I notice changes in my body and changes in fitness levels, attitudes of others towards me (sad but true) I am motivated even more. I have tried to lose weight before but this time I know I am going to succeed no matter how long it takes because I have the right frame of mind and I am strong enough.

I am more interested in moving more and eating less than pumping pills. It is hard, it is very hard, but I am strong enough not to take pills to speed up metabolism, curb appetite, or whatever, and mess my body up any more than it is already.

Probalby not a lot of help to your studies but there you go, that's me.

[Rube]

Hiya,

Yeah, People's attitudes can be hurtful - I suppose it shows how shallow things can be.