My weight loss story..
Discussion
I don't really know how to begin this.. so here goes.
I'm 20 years old, and this is my story of how I lost weight. I've been going to the gym for the last 4-5 years. Its been a long and frustrating process, but I have finally done it.
I was never skinny, but at the same time I wasn't fat either. My weight problems kicked off in 2009, when I was in yr 9, during the summer holidays. My weight just ballooned up. I was eating badly and hardly doing any exersize. I didn't look like Heather Trott, but it was noticeable. Going back to school was horrible, I was never bullied, but people did talk. It did effect my confidence quiet a lot.
I started going to gym, but it just felt like bulls
t. I never had the right mental attitude or patience. I just wanted to lose weight then and there. I hated it so badly. It was constantly on my mind.
My workouts were rubbish too. Same old same everyday. I was bored, spent most of my time frustrated. My motivation was nil. Saying 'this is it', and a week later it was back to square one. Eating habit were no good. One 'small bite', and two seconds later I was eating the whole damn whatever. I had no guidance either. Everyone was telling me different things, from 'lock this off' to 'have more of this that and the other'.
For the next year or two, up till 2011, year 11, and first year of college, it was pretty much like this. The worst day was when I stood on the gym scales. 18.5 stones, EIGHTEEN AND A HALF fkING STONES. I decided to leave the gym I was at. I needed a change of scenery. Got sick of the gym I was at.
When I started my new gym it was good. They had more equipment, and was much bigger. I decided to focus on weight training. I was going with a mate. We did weights for about 2 months. Things were going good. Obviously I knew I wasn't going to lose weight and become Mr Olympia overnight. By this time my eating/diet had also improved. I drank less fizz, and ate chocolate/crisps in moderation.
Me and my mate were both studying, and he was also working, so he couldn't commit to gym 100%. After a while, I began to train on my own, which was fine. I carried on doing weights with a little bit of cardio too, but my motivation was going. I didn't enjoy weights anymore. I wasn't putting 100% effort in, and once my gym pass expired, I never renewed it.
My eating habits turned to bad again. Eating chocolates and fast food whilst on my laptop in bed at night. After 2-3 weeks of this, my guilty consciousness kicked in. I HAD TO GET BACK TO GYM.
This time around, I decided to focus more on cardio. At the beginning, mainly cross trainer and treadmill, but later on I also worked out on the rowing machine, and started skipping and using the gyms boxing bags. I went gym almost everyday, and ate better. The weight was slowly coming off. For some reason, I couldn't notice it. My dress sense was crap, loose fitted clothing made me look bigger than I was.
I stuck with gym, and after a long time, I began to notice. Clothes I had in my wardrobe fitted me. Jeans were more comfortable. Truthfully, most of my clothes were too big for me, I should have got rid of them, but I just didn't. I wasn't the best dressed person, at college I wore trackie bottoms with a jumper. I hardly ever wore a t-shirt without a jumper. never had the confidence.
Around this time, I hardly ate fast food or junk. The most I had was chocolate once a week. I never bothered with lunch at college, instead chose to save up with the money I was given. I did go to the chip shop every now and then. I generally wasn't fussed about junk food. It is hard to control yourself and resist the urge. I know there isn't wrong with eating fast food in moderation, but I had bad food guilt. Eat healthy and exersize all week, and one bite of any junk, and it felt like I put 10 stones on.
I was having good and bad days at gym. But I was exersizing regularly. A lot of people were telling me I had lost weight, but for some reason, I couldn't get it into my head that I had.
It's just recently, about 1-2 months ago, that I have noticed it. I got rid of all my old, ill fitting loose clothes, and started dressing more smart. Before I would never have worn polo shirts, cardigans, jeans or chinos.
In my 'final leg' of my weight loss, I had completely locked off fizzy drinks, chocolates and crisps. I pushed myself more at gym. Ran for longer. Starting skipping was a great thing for me. It helped me build my stamina up. I love skipping now, the feeling you get when your shoulders and arms are burning was great.
The weight was dropping. Wearing better clothes helped a lot. Standing in front of the mirror, and I looked a lot better than before.
It was such a shock, in a good way, that when I went to buy some clothes, I didn't make such a fuss over size, going in and out of the fitting rooms trying to look for the right size. I have dropped from 'XL' to 'L' to 'M'! My waist size has also decreased.
I went on holiday a few weeks back, to Turkey. I've never felt so good before. Walking around in the scorching sun in three quarters, with a polo shirt or vest on without feeling self conscious. I would never had taken photos of myself before, because I looked awful. My confidence was sky high. I felt good physically and mentally.
I still find it hard at times to believe, that 'wow, I have finally done it'. I always ask family/friends 'have I lost weight'?, and I think they're getting annoyed now
Finding a job (apprenticeship) helped a lot too. I left college and I am now doing Business Admin. I wanted to look good at work, so I stuck with gym and watched what I ate. I wasn't trying to look Tom Hardy, but I didn't want to look like that guy in the wheelchair from Little Britain either.
I still suffer from food guilt. I don't eat chip shop food, I can't even remember the last time I had a burger. I have to say I don't get cravings for fast food either. I think it is more to do with the fact that fast food doesn't interest me much anymore, rather than food guilt. I should learn to start eating in moderation.
I go gym only 2-4 times a week now, and I am hoping to start going swimming too. When I was younger, about 13, I did kickboxing, but didn't enjoy it, as it as my dad who made me do it, rather than me choosing. I want to start again, as this time I would more likely enjoy it. I'm not looking to lose more weight, but maintain my current weight. I have a tiny bit f belly, but nothing to be ashamed of. I still have bad days, but its all good in the end.
I feel good though, honestly.
I don't really know what to say to anyone who is reading this and is in the same situation I was. All I can say really is don't give up. Control your diet, fight against your urges, and enjoy your gym sessions, whether you decide to focus on cardio or weights. Most importantly have patience. Know you will have bad days. It is perfectly normal, and part of the process.
Anyways, thank you for reading. I have added some 'before' and 'after' pictures below. The 'before' picture was in 2011, last day of secondary school, and the 'after' picture was taken in Turkey. My passport photo will also give you a shock
Before:
After:
And the best of the lot:
I'm 20 years old, and this is my story of how I lost weight. I've been going to the gym for the last 4-5 years. Its been a long and frustrating process, but I have finally done it.
I was never skinny, but at the same time I wasn't fat either. My weight problems kicked off in 2009, when I was in yr 9, during the summer holidays. My weight just ballooned up. I was eating badly and hardly doing any exersize. I didn't look like Heather Trott, but it was noticeable. Going back to school was horrible, I was never bullied, but people did talk. It did effect my confidence quiet a lot.
I started going to gym, but it just felt like bulls
t. I never had the right mental attitude or patience. I just wanted to lose weight then and there. I hated it so badly. It was constantly on my mind. My workouts were rubbish too. Same old same everyday. I was bored, spent most of my time frustrated. My motivation was nil. Saying 'this is it', and a week later it was back to square one. Eating habit were no good. One 'small bite', and two seconds later I was eating the whole damn whatever. I had no guidance either. Everyone was telling me different things, from 'lock this off' to 'have more of this that and the other'.
For the next year or two, up till 2011, year 11, and first year of college, it was pretty much like this. The worst day was when I stood on the gym scales. 18.5 stones, EIGHTEEN AND A HALF f
kING STONES. I decided to leave the gym I was at. I needed a change of scenery. Got sick of the gym I was at. When I started my new gym it was good. They had more equipment, and was much bigger. I decided to focus on weight training. I was going with a mate. We did weights for about 2 months. Things were going good. Obviously I knew I wasn't going to lose weight and become Mr Olympia overnight. By this time my eating/diet had also improved. I drank less fizz, and ate chocolate/crisps in moderation.
Me and my mate were both studying, and he was also working, so he couldn't commit to gym 100%. After a while, I began to train on my own, which was fine. I carried on doing weights with a little bit of cardio too, but my motivation was going. I didn't enjoy weights anymore. I wasn't putting 100% effort in, and once my gym pass expired, I never renewed it.
My eating habits turned to bad again. Eating chocolates and fast food whilst on my laptop in bed at night. After 2-3 weeks of this, my guilty consciousness kicked in. I HAD TO GET BACK TO GYM.
This time around, I decided to focus more on cardio. At the beginning, mainly cross trainer and treadmill, but later on I also worked out on the rowing machine, and started skipping and using the gyms boxing bags. I went gym almost everyday, and ate better. The weight was slowly coming off. For some reason, I couldn't notice it. My dress sense was crap, loose fitted clothing made me look bigger than I was.
I stuck with gym, and after a long time, I began to notice. Clothes I had in my wardrobe fitted me. Jeans were more comfortable. Truthfully, most of my clothes were too big for me, I should have got rid of them, but I just didn't. I wasn't the best dressed person, at college I wore trackie bottoms with a jumper. I hardly ever wore a t-shirt without a jumper. never had the confidence.
Around this time, I hardly ate fast food or junk. The most I had was chocolate once a week. I never bothered with lunch at college, instead chose to save up with the money I was given. I did go to the chip shop every now and then. I generally wasn't fussed about junk food. It is hard to control yourself and resist the urge. I know there isn't wrong with eating fast food in moderation, but I had bad food guilt. Eat healthy and exersize all week, and one bite of any junk, and it felt like I put 10 stones on.
I was having good and bad days at gym. But I was exersizing regularly. A lot of people were telling me I had lost weight, but for some reason, I couldn't get it into my head that I had.
It's just recently, about 1-2 months ago, that I have noticed it. I got rid of all my old, ill fitting loose clothes, and started dressing more smart. Before I would never have worn polo shirts, cardigans, jeans or chinos.
In my 'final leg' of my weight loss, I had completely locked off fizzy drinks, chocolates and crisps. I pushed myself more at gym. Ran for longer. Starting skipping was a great thing for me. It helped me build my stamina up. I love skipping now, the feeling you get when your shoulders and arms are burning was great.
The weight was dropping. Wearing better clothes helped a lot. Standing in front of the mirror, and I looked a lot better than before.
It was such a shock, in a good way, that when I went to buy some clothes, I didn't make such a fuss over size, going in and out of the fitting rooms trying to look for the right size. I have dropped from 'XL' to 'L' to 'M'! My waist size has also decreased.
I went on holiday a few weeks back, to Turkey. I've never felt so good before. Walking around in the scorching sun in three quarters, with a polo shirt or vest on without feeling self conscious. I would never had taken photos of myself before, because I looked awful. My confidence was sky high. I felt good physically and mentally.
I still find it hard at times to believe, that 'wow, I have finally done it'. I always ask family/friends 'have I lost weight'?, and I think they're getting annoyed now
Finding a job (apprenticeship) helped a lot too. I left college and I am now doing Business Admin. I wanted to look good at work, so I stuck with gym and watched what I ate. I wasn't trying to look Tom Hardy, but I didn't want to look like that guy in the wheelchair from Little Britain either.
I still suffer from food guilt. I don't eat chip shop food, I can't even remember the last time I had a burger. I have to say I don't get cravings for fast food either. I think it is more to do with the fact that fast food doesn't interest me much anymore, rather than food guilt. I should learn to start eating in moderation.
I go gym only 2-4 times a week now, and I am hoping to start going swimming too. When I was younger, about 13, I did kickboxing, but didn't enjoy it, as it as my dad who made me do it, rather than me choosing. I want to start again, as this time I would more likely enjoy it. I'm not looking to lose more weight, but maintain my current weight. I have a tiny bit f belly, but nothing to be ashamed of. I still have bad days, but its all good in the end.
I feel good though, honestly.
I don't really know what to say to anyone who is reading this and is in the same situation I was. All I can say really is don't give up. Control your diet, fight against your urges, and enjoy your gym sessions, whether you decide to focus on cardio or weights. Most importantly have patience. Know you will have bad days. It is perfectly normal, and part of the process.
Anyways, thank you for reading. I have added some 'before' and 'after' pictures below. The 'before' picture was in 2011, last day of secondary school, and the 'after' picture was taken in Turkey. My passport photo will also give you a shock
Before:
After:
And the best of the lot:
Amirhussain said:
I don't really know what to say to anyone who is reading this and is in the same situation I was.
I can't imagine there are many fat 14 year olds on here but I'm happy to be proven wrong. You must have really pigged out as a kid. Most children find it hard to put weight on.
toohangry said:
Amirhussain said:
I don't really know what to say to anyone who is reading this and is in the same situation I was.
I can't imagine there are many fat 14 year olds on here but I'm happy to be proven wrong. You must have really pigged out as a kid. Most children find it hard to put weight on.
http://www.noo.org.uk/NOO_about_obesity/child_obes...
Obesity %
Ethnicity 4-5 years 10-11 years
Asian/Asian British 10.4 23.8
Any other ethnicity 11.3 24.3
Black/Black British 15.6 27.4
Mixed 10 21.4
Chinese 7.7 No data
White 8.8 17.6
Good work OP, you look great!
Rachie said:
toohangry said:
Amirhussain said:
I don't really know what to say to anyone who is reading this and is in the same situation I was.
I can't imagine there are many fat 14 year olds on here but I'm happy to be proven wrong. You must have really pigged out as a kid. Most children find it hard to put weight on.
toohangry said:
Rachie said:
toohangry said:
Amirhussain said:
I don't really know what to say to anyone who is reading this and is in the same situation I was.
I can't imagine there are many fat 14 year olds on here but I'm happy to be proven wrong. You must have really pigged out as a kid. Most children find it hard to put weight on.
The OP has done a great job, doesn't matter what age he is, someone will be inspired there are plenty of posts asking for help with weight loss.
Well done 
It is a weird one, I know that ive lost 25%+ of my body weight but I still look down and see a wobbly belly, your own perception of your body is a bit warped, so you need to be careful of that.
The biggest issue I have now is the 'feeders' the people who try to give you food, tell me I'm too thin (im teetering on the high part of normal on the BMI scale, and have crossed into 'fat' a couple of times) people have told me I look ill, skeletal, jealousy seems to be everywhere, both subconscious and conscious. Lots of people have massive issues with food, getting away from the storage issue (fat) lots of people have an emotional attachment to food, its good that you have broken past that, I think more people need to.
I do see society fracturing and polarising into 2 camps the 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' and it really saddens me. Neither the fitness industry (which makes it seem difficult and expensive) or food manufacturers/supermarket (who push processed foods) make it easy for people to get past the bullst.
fk Capitalism.
Sorry I got a bit ranty I don't want to detract from your achievement
It is a weird one, I know that ive lost 25%+ of my body weight but I still look down and see a wobbly belly, your own perception of your body is a bit warped, so you need to be careful of that.
The biggest issue I have now is the 'feeders' the people who try to give you food, tell me I'm too thin (im teetering on the high part of normal on the BMI scale, and have crossed into 'fat' a couple of times) people have told me I look ill, skeletal, jealousy seems to be everywhere, both subconscious and conscious. Lots of people have massive issues with food, getting away from the storage issue (fat) lots of people have an emotional attachment to food, its good that you have broken past that, I think more people need to.
I do see society fracturing and polarising into 2 camps the 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' and it really saddens me. Neither the fitness industry (which makes it seem difficult and expensive) or food manufacturers/supermarket (who push processed foods) make it easy for people to get past the bulls
t.f
k Capitalism.Sorry I got a bit ranty
I don't want to detract from your achievement
Ok, two things.
Firstly, to the OP -
Very well done indeed! By the time I got to the end of that I was grinning 
Secondly -
You must have really pigged out as a kid. Most children find it hard to put weight on.Seriously? The guy has pretty much just poured his heart out about some fairly personal and inspirational stuff, and that's what you respond with?
Firstly, to the OP -
Very well done indeed! By the time I got to the end of that I was grinning Secondly -
toohangry said:
Amirhussain said:
I don't really know what to say to anyone who is reading this and is in the same situation I was.
I can't imagine there are many fat 14 year olds on here but I'm happy to be proven wrong. You must have really pigged out as a kid. Most children find it hard to put weight on.
Rachie said:
toohangry said:
Amirhussain said:
I don't really know what to say to anyone who is reading this and is in the same situation I was.
I can't imagine there are many fat 14 year olds on here but I'm happy to be proven wrong. You must have really pigged out as a kid. Most children find it hard to put weight on.
http://www.noo.org.uk/NOO_about_obesity/child_obes...
Obesity %
Ethnicity 4-5 years 10-11 years
Asian/Asian British 10.4 23.8
Any other ethnicity 11.3 24.3
Black/Black British 15.6 27.4
Mixed 10 21.4
Chinese 7.7 No data
White 8.8 17.6
Good work OP, you look great!
Congratulations OP, I went through a similar journey at age 14 and managed to drop a lot of fat before hitting 16 stone at 18 (gained weight but lost fat if that makes sense!). It's hard work, especially in the early and latter stages where you question whether it's actually working and that temptation to think "f
k it, I'm eating a six pack of Dairy Milk" comes back Foliage said:
Well done
It is a weird one, I know that ive lost 25%+ of my body weight but I still look down and see a wobbly belly, your own perception of your body is a bit warped, so you need to be careful of that.
The biggest issue I have now is the 'feeders' the people who try to give you food, tell me I'm too thin (im teetering on the high part of normal on the BMI scale, and have crossed into 'fat' a couple of times) people have told me I look ill, skeletal, jealousy seems to be everywhere, both subconscious and conscious. Lots of people have massive issues with food, getting away from the storage issue (fat) lots of people have an emotional attachment to food, its good that you have broken past that, I think more people need to.
I do see society fracturing and polarising into 2 camps the 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' and it really saddens me. Neither the fitness industry (which makes it seem difficult and expensive) or food manufacturers/supermarket (who push processed foods) make it easy for people to get past the bullst.
fk Capitalism.
Sorry I got a bit ranty I don't want to detract from your achievement
I get exactly what you mean! Was with mates yesterday, and they were saying I've lost weight, but that I look too skinny now, personally I think I look bang on. At times when I look down, I still see a tiny belly, but I just laugh because I still can't believe I've finally done it. Its nice to take and be in pictures without a double chin It is a weird one, I know that ive lost 25%+ of my body weight but I still look down and see a wobbly belly, your own perception of your body is a bit warped, so you need to be careful of that.
The biggest issue I have now is the 'feeders' the people who try to give you food, tell me I'm too thin (im teetering on the high part of normal on the BMI scale, and have crossed into 'fat' a couple of times) people have told me I look ill, skeletal, jealousy seems to be everywhere, both subconscious and conscious. Lots of people have massive issues with food, getting away from the storage issue (fat) lots of people have an emotional attachment to food, its good that you have broken past that, I think more people need to.
I do see society fracturing and polarising into 2 camps the 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' and it really saddens me. Neither the fitness industry (which makes it seem difficult and expensive) or food manufacturers/supermarket (who push processed foods) make it easy for people to get past the bulls
t.f
k Capitalism.Sorry I got a bit ranty
I don't want to detract from your achievementIt is a lifestyle change, if that's the correct term, in some ways. Eat more fruits and watch portion sizes etc. I know that I can't kick back and chill too much.
Waynester said:
Thats a great effort!! Set yourself a goal, visualise what you want to achieve and go for it..as you have!
Well done.
Thanks! Well done.
lost in espace said:
That photo by the sea is incredible, well done!
Thanks. Sun was shining in my eyes! Prefer this one 
2.5pi said:
Great attitude 
Thanks dude. Attitude was very negative at times, but ultimately it worked out AB said:
18.5 ---> 11.5 is exactly the same start and finish weight I had about 5 years ago when I lost weight.
Well done. It's not easy.
Thanks. And definitely agree, not easy. So soo sooooo satisfying in the end. If only losing weight was easy as gaining weight! Well done. It's not easy.
Rachie said:
toohangry said:
Amirhussain said:
I don't really know what to say to anyone who is reading this and is in the same situation I was.
I can't imagine there are many fat 14 year olds on here but I'm happy to be proven wrong. You must have really pigged out as a kid. Most children find it hard to put weight on.
jas xjr said:
Well done
Thanks TwistingMyMelon said:
great work op
Thank you Lotus Notes said:
Well done on sticking to it, the gym work and avoiding junk food.
Thanks. It wasn't easy avoiding junk food in the beginning, but it can be done Sebo said:
Well done Amir. Great effort. Keep it off and keep going !
Thanks, and thats the plan!Terminator X said:
Well done OP! Re the fat kids jibe tbf I don't see that many overweight and I see hundreds of kids every day dropping #1 son off at school.
TX.
Thanks. I think some 'statistics' on overweight kids are exaggerated to make the stories a bit more controversial. TX.
HD Adam said:
Well done mate
Thanks mate Edited by Amirhussain on Monday 22 June 18:40
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