I've tried EVERYTHING to lose weight, but to no success.
Hi,
When I was about 18, I went from weighing 58kg (I’m 1.57m tall and physically active) to 71kg because of a break-up. I’m quite active; despite having an office job, I cycle to work (40 mins a day), play volleyball (twice a week) and go running (once a week). And even in my life in general, I’ve always been active, with periods of team sports, weight training and running. I’d say I have a fairly muscular build given this background, which means most people think I weigh less (or maybe they’re just being polite, lol).
I’m 25 now, and I’ve tried everything over the last 7 years to no avail:
- Cutting out all sugars, then just gluten (under the guidance of a dietitian): lost 4–5 kg in 6 months, then put the 5 kg back on.
- Intermittent fasting: not much effect, just 1–2 kg.
- Focusing weight loss on exercise: 3–4 sessions of strength training and cardio to burn as much as possible with a small calorie deficit, but my hunger had increased so much that it was impossible to maintain that deficit.
- RNPC programme (only present on my home country, basically: maximum protein, large calorie deficit. They make you pay for protein shakes that are good but expensive. Supervised by a dietitian): lost 4–5 kg in 6 months, but I couldn’t continue as I moved abroad. I think this was the method that worked best. Gained 3 kg back since then.
- Being on a very large calorie deficit (50%): 2–3 kg, but I quickly give in afterwards.
- Being on a slight calorie deficit (15%): 3–4 kg, but I plateau at the same weight for months afterwards.
I’ve really tried eeeverything and absolutely nothing works. Every time I lose a little, and once I reach 65-66 kg I can plateau for months, until I put the weight back on.
Then there’s also the social pressure – going to restaurants, going out, etc. – whether it’s with my boyfriend (with whom I spend 4 days out of every 2 weeks, and who loves food) or my friends, so inevitably I end up eating much richer food and putting back on what I’ve lost (psychologically speaking). I think I have a psychological issue with my weight – I’m obsessed with it. I’m thinking of seeing a therapist, but I don’t think that’ll change the fact that I’m stuck when it comes to losing weight (or so I think?).
What do you think? Do you see a solution to my situation, or is it just a case of not having enough perseverance? I feel that as soon as I start a new ‘phase’ of weight loss, I’m not sure it’s going to work, at least not in terms of getting past that bloody 66kg mark.