Keeping the weight off

Dear Gretchen,

What a great post! You really hit the nail on the head for me. Even though I somehow managed to bring my BMI down from 40 (morbidly obese) to its current 19.5 (right on the cusp of being underweight), I know that I will always have to watch what I eat every day. I may be thin on the outside but inside I am always formerly fat -- and potentially fat again, unless I exercise constant vigilance.

Thank you,

David

Some very interesting stuff here

http://www.proteinpower.com/drmike/low-carb-diets/why-is-low-carb-harder-the-second-time-around/

and in adjacent threads

Hi Gretchen:

I appreciate your excellent post. After being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in May 2006, I have lost 45 pounds. I have maintained my weight at 225 pounds, give or take 3 pounds, for the past 1 & 1/2 years. I found that my slow weight loss meant no quick weight gain, and I have to watch what I eat. This includes making adjustments to my diet as I get older. Last week I bought a bicycle, with the goal of getting down to 200 pounds.    

I always thought the reason exercise doesn't (itself) cause weight loss is that it increases the LBM/fat ratio, and since LBM weighs more than fat, there is increased weight density.  The reason why exercise can keep weight off long term is that it speeds up metabolism, along the LBM/fat ratio, since LBM burns more calories than fat.

  I am a diebetic that has alsways suffered with a weight problem.  I was able to lose large amounts of weight, but then would gradually put it back on.  I have recently lost 70 of my 245 pounds to about 175 pounds on a 5' 10" frame.  I used a twelve step program for compulsive eaters, and follow the program religiously.  I have come to terms with the fact that as a diebetic, I will never be able to eat as a "normal" person.  That cannot be my goal.  My goal needs to be to follow a healthy eating plan that conforms to my individual needs.  I avoid sugar, flour, and control my volumes.  This has resulted in the weight loss as well as an A1c of 6.2 and eliminated high blood pressure, high cholestral, as well as minimizing my asthma.

  The trick to me is committing my food to another person, and working my program. 

  There is no profit in the program, so we get no support from many of the websites, but it works for me.  I'll keep it up for as long as I am eating.  At 58, I need the help.

Bob