Losing weight from where

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…


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.


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.

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!!