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Losing weight from where

O

Outlier

Well-Known Member
Messages
2,234
Type of diabetes
Type 2
Treatment type
Diet only
I am writing this in case it helps others. There is a lot of significance given to losing weight from waist and belly. But none of us can control from where we lose weight, and it is possible to lose a lot of weight via diet and exercise- though exercise as such is not as helpful as diet for losing weight - but still carry fat aroung waist and belly. Losing weight when we need to is always beneficial, but those of us who cannot remove it from these critical areas should not feel discouraged or that their results are unimportant. I think when we give advice that tells people from where they should be losing weight needs to take into account that the "where" is totally out of our control, that losing any weight as a result of our efforts is not to be criticised, but complimented, and that all loss will help our diabetes.
 
But visceral fat (the more dangerous type) tends to be lost first. Which is good news for our health overall. Getting (or showing) that six pack may take a bit longer.
 
Outlier said:
I am writing this in case it helps others. There is a lot of significance given to losing weight from waist and belly. But none of us can control from where we lose weight, and it is possible to lose a lot of weight via diet and exercise- though exercise as such is not as helpful as diet for losing weight - but still carry fat aroung waist and belly. Losing weight when we need to is always beneficial, but those of us who cannot remove it from these critical areas should not feel discouraged or that their results are unimportant. I think when we give advice that tells people from where they should be losing weight needs to take into account that the "where" is totally out of our control, that losing any weight as a result of our efforts is not to be criticised, but complimented, and that all loss will help our diabetes.
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There are all sorts of reasons that make it difficult to lose weight.
I don’t doubt some members will come and add their own struggles. For some people, generally women, no amount of diet or exercise will solve this particular problem…

lipoedema.co.uk

What Is lipoedema? The condition explained | Lipoedema UK

What is lipoedema (lipedema)? A guide on the difference between lipoedema, lymphoedema and obesity, and its causes and symptoms, which include such fat legs.
lipoedema.co.uk lipoedema.co.uk

Sadly, it is not widely known, even by HCPs, and people who have this and other weight problems, are often treated with contempt and derision. No matter the reason they are attending medical appointment more time is given to the ‘educating the patient’ on weightloss methods that are futile.

I have a different condition, due to damage to lymph nodes during surgery, lymphoedema.

What Is Lymphoedema? | Lymphoedema Support Network - LSN

This information has been produced and verified by accepted experts in their field and reflects current best practice. The information has been designed to assi
www.lymphoedema.org www.lymphoedema.org

Which causes swelling of abdomen and thigh. Weight fluctuates. Sometimes by as much as 4 kg or more week by week.
If I have an appointment when there is not much swelling I am praised for having lost weight. If there is swelling and weight gain, I am given ‘the look’ and the talk about ‘healthy eating - giving up takeaways and suchlike and need for exercise’, despite me ‘clean eating’ fresh homemade food, and having a better exercise regime that most of the HCPs giving me the advice.
 
I was poked in the tummy by a gp who said I need to lose it from "there", despite me losing weight at the time! Everyone is different, I have lost weight and lost a lot from all around my body. I do have one fluffy area though on one hip, where it has always been stubborn to shift. Just one of those things.
 
I lose weight from my face first which could make me look ill even when the rest of me was morbidly obese.
Having picked up a very nasty tummy bug on holiday recently causing me to lose 5kgs in 3 weeks, I am now merely obese again.
 
I remember only too well when I was seen by the practice nurse and then by my GP on subsequent days, it was very hot and I'd been working hard when I saw the nurse in the late afternoon. She weighed me. Next morning I went and was weighed again.
I had not eaten anything as I was too hot and tired but I drank a lot of water when I got home and after I got up.
When I maintained that I'd not eaten anything the doctor started screaming and shouting, insulting me and telling me I was a liar. That has always been the problem - descriptions such as delusional, deceitful, unrealistic, uncooperative, with accusations such as gluttony or laziness thrown at me as well have always put up a barrier and probably led to the long delay in being diagnosed with the failed thyroid and then type 2.
 
I am currently 7 and a half stone lighter than I was when I was diagnosed with type 2. The weight loss has been even over most of my body and in clothes, no one sees the roll of skin/fat around my lower abdomen that remains, but I’m aware of it. So apart from the obvious general weight loss, my face shows it most to the point where I realised a year or so ago, I looked nothing like my picture on my driving licence so had to apply for a new one!
 
IanBish said:
But visceral fat (the more dangerous type) tends to be lost first. Which is good news for our health overall. Getting (or showing) that six pack may take a bit longer.
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Sorry, but it's my visceral fat which is stubborn. I have skinny arms and legs, not much fat elsewhere, slim hips, but my waist has gone from tiny when I was young to too large now.
 
Rosie9876 said:
Sorry, but it's my visceral fat which is stubborn. I have skinny arms and legs, not much fat elsewhere, slim hips, but my waist has gone from tiny when I was young to too large now.
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I too have some belly fat to lose, but I don't think it's visceral fat. Maybe yours isn't either, it could be the safe, subcutaneous fat that I think mine is.
 
Rosie9876 said:
Sorry, but it's my visceral fat which is stubborn. I have skinny arms and legs, not much fat elsewhere, slim hips, but my waist has gone from tiny when I was young to too large now.
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My visceral fat fought back valiantly against weightloss. I used to see my waist reducing by an inch or so, then it would suck in fat from elsewhere, upper back, thighs, arms - even face or neck and expand itself again.
I had a 24 inch waist in my teens and early 20s - I have mini skirts which would just about make a good hand bag. They are suede or leather and too good to throw away but these days girls don't have 24 inch waists unless they are too young to have hips - I used to be rather vain about my slender waist and my mane of dark glossy hair - both are gone now.
I cut my hair once a year, on my birthday, and this year my hair has grown more than in the last two years - I decided to save it just in case I was ever completely bald.
 
I look like an advert for famine, with prominent ribs and chest bars you can see across the room. Arms are like sticks - I can span my upper arms with finger and thumb. No bum. waist is not slim- has never been and belly fat is obvious-has always been. My face is all cheekbones. I don't need to lose any more weight in total, but I don't fit the legend about losing belly/visceral fat. So I just started this to help similarly "endowed" people realise they are not alone in not fitting the hype. We have no control over which parts of us hold onto their fat and which give it up.
 
My hubby is very thin all over but has a protruding round belly, it’s not fat, nor has he got visceral fat, it’s that shape because of a stomach condition. He’s just over an ideal weight for his height. A big belly isn’t always down to fat


Edited to add a vital word that was missing!
 
Over the past year, I've lost around 2.5 stone, with most of the weight coming off my face. Although it doesn't look like I've lost much elsewhere, my leggings definitely suggest otherwise. However, the thing that people notice most about me is my facial weight loss. Ironically, at a recent doctor's appointment, I was told losing weight would help me, as if I hadn't just lost a lot already!!
 
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