u/Strong-Bet-6371

I’m looking for a few serious workout partners who want to do Chloe Ting challenges back to back, with 1-2 days off, for 3-4 months.
My goal is to lose around 25 kg, and I know consistency will be the hardest part. I hope to find people who want to hold each other accountable rather than join for a few days and then disappear 😭.
The idea:
Follow Chloe Ting challenges/programs back to back, check in daily or regularly, share workout completion and progress, motivate each other on days when we really don’t feel like working out, be honest about missed days, and get back on track. Stick with it for at least 3 months. You don’t need to have the same weight-loss goal as me; I mainly want people who are serious about showing up consistently. If you’re interested, comment or DM me. We can create a small accountability group and start together! 🫶

Background: BTech ECE, 2018, tier-2 university, 7.00 CGPA, no publications, no prior research experience. Was targeting MTech (Research) at DESE or CeNSE as my entry route into IISc before PhD, prepping for GATE now.

DESE’s published list shows PhD recommendations/waitlist; only the MTech (Research) column is empty across the board. CeNSE’s 2026 selection list page only has a PhD list; no MTech (Research) list at all.
No official reason was given by either department, just what the published lists show.

I have a few questions :

1. Is this a one-off year, or has MTech (Research) intake at these departments been shrinking/disappearing for a while? Anyone tracking this across years?
2. With no MTech (Research) route open, is direct PhD entry realistic for someone with an average, non-research UG background, or does this effectively lock me out until I build a research profile elsewhere first?
3. Would applying directly to a PhD anyway (given the option exists) be worth the shot, or is that a waste of an interview slot with this profile?

32 F, 2.5 years ago my periods were regular like clockwork and I was at a healthy weight. Then I got diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, and since then everything has gone sideways.
My cycles are now completely unpredictable sometimes 2 months late, sometimes 10-15 days longer than usual, sometimes only a 15-20 day gap between periods. There’s no pattern I can find.

I’ve also gained a lot of weight (98kg, 5’8”), and no matter how hard I try, I can only lose 5-6kg before it comes right back. I’m not fatigued, but my skin has gotten noticeably drier, I’m dealing with brain fog most days, and my digestion is a mess now too constant bloating.

My doctor hasn’t been much help and my next appointment isn’t for another 40 days, so I’m turning here. Has anyone actually found something that worked intermittent fasting, specific diet changes, a particular type of workout, anything? I really don’t want to just end up on more daily medication to feel normal. This is genuinely draining me and I’d appreciate hearing what’s helped in your own experience.