Struggling with Weight Gain and Seeking Advice to Restore Confidence

Weight gain can happen for various reasons, and it can be challenging to navigate through the emotional and physical aspects associated with it. In the past year, I have experienced substantial weight gain due to poor sleep, depression, binge eating, and lack of consistency with my gym routine. Additionally, having an IUD (Mirena) has further impacted my metabolism, making it harder for me to manage my weight. While I do not smoke and have significantly reduced my alcohol consumption, these lifestyle factors alone haven’t been enough for me to shed the excess weight.

The initial weight gain began last year when I moved into my own apartment, coinciding with the passing of my grandmother in December 2023. This difficult time in my life further worsened my already unhealthy relationship with food, which began during my childhood. I oscillate between days of overeating and restricting myself to one or two meals. On occasion, I succumb to binge and purge behaviors, but I am actively working hard to quit this harmful cycle.

My eating habits have also been influenced by my work schedule, particularly during night shifts. I often find myself ordering meals from food delivery services like UberEats or DoorDash, even consuming complete meals as late as 2 AM.

I’ve noticed that my weight has been fluctuating between 150 and 180 pounds since the age of 14, primarily due to irregular menstrual cycles. However, now at 29 years old, I weigh 264.2 pounds. Despite my weight gain, I still retain a slightly athletic build, thanks to my history of playing sports. Nevertheless, most of my excess weight is concentrated in the lower region of my body.

I am determined to lose this weight in a healthy and sustainable manner, without resorting to any drugs or methods that might compromise my health. As part of my weight loss journey, I recently purchased a scale to track my progress. I am also in the process of compiling a meal prep or meal plan list to help me stay consistent in my eating habits. My goal is to lose at least 70 pounds by May 2026.

Reaching out for advice and support can be challenging, especially when facing social anxiety. As a result, I turn to Reddit as a platform where I hope to find guidance from individuals who may have gone through similar experiences and successfully achieved their weight loss goals. Restoring my confidence in myself is paramount, and any advice or anecdotes shared would be greatly appreciated.

In conclusion, weight gain can be overwhelming and emotionally draining. However, with determination, proper planning, and support from others, it is possible to adopt healthier habits and restore self-confidence.

In the past year, I have gained a significant amount of weight due to factors such as poor sleep, depression, binge eating, and not consistently exercising. Additionally, I have an IUD (Mirena) which has caused my metabolism to slow down. I do not smoke, but occasionally I will have a drink, although I have reduced my alcohol consumption. The majority of this weight gain occurred after I moved into my own apartment and experienced the loss of my grandmother in December 2023. I have had an unhealthy relationship with food since I was young, sometimes overeating and other times restricting my meals to just one or two. On occasion, I have engaged in binge eating and purging, although I am actively working towards stopping this behavior. There have been instances where I ordered food delivery late at night, often consuming entire meals at 2 AM, shortly after finishing my night shift.

Throughout my teenage years, my weight fluctuated between 150-180 pounds due to irregular menstrual cycles. I recently turned 29 and currently weigh 264.2 pounds. I am 5’6″ tall and have a slight athletic build from playing sports in the past. Most of my weight is concentrated in my lower body. My goal is to lose weight in a healthy manner without using any drugs in order to avoid potential health complications.

Last month, I purchased a scale to track my weight and I am in the process of creating a meal prep or plan. My ultimate target is to lose at least 70 pounds by May 2026. If anyone takes the time to read this, I would greatly appreciate any advice. I don’t have many close friends in real life, and I am too embarrassed to ask anyone for help due to my social anxiety. This is why I have turned to Reddit, hoping that even just one person can assist me in achieving my goal and restoring my self-confidence.