Whats The Best Way To Lose Weight. I Weigh 238lbs. Please Help!!

Congratulations on setting a goal, and being motivated to achieve it!

I'm wondering what your preferences are, related to "how" to lose weight, and if you have any friends or family who are interested in joining you on your weight-loss journey?

What is your personality? Are you the type that is motivated by social-situations and a friend/family member to go along on your weight-loss journey with you? Or, do you just want their support and encouragement, but want to lose weight on your own?

Do you want to join a weight loss community (online or in-person) with a group moderator?

As you probably know, there are several factors important to losing weight, and are the same factors that may/may not be part of the reason you gained weight:
- genetics and heredity play a huge role in body type, body shape and weight
- lifestyle (smoking, excess alcohol or other drug use) can lead to excess weight
- psychological aspects: people overeat for different reasons, including everything from boredom to loneliness to feeling depressed
- physical aspects: food (what, when, how, why, how much), basically the frequency and quantity of food you eat, as well as the types of food
- physical aspects: physical activity (again, the frequency and duration of your physical activity and/or exercise, as well as the type of activity)

I don't want to over-burden you with information, but it is important to learn as much about yourself from the factors above...and then don't dwell on the past...but use the information to move forward! Hurray!

It is important to meet with your primary health care provider, who can refer you to any number of specialists (some may be covered by your health insurance, in fact):
- Registered Dietitian (R.D.)
- Psychologist specializing in behavior change
- Certified Personal Trainer
- Certified Health Education Specialist
- Hospital-sponsored weight-loss clinic

Here are some more resources for you:
- National Institute of Health: Weight Loss Guides
- Choosing a Successful Weight Loss Program
- Mayo Clinic: Weight Loss- 6 Strategies for Success

Hello! Thank you so much for posting your question here--I admire you so much for taking the first step to losing weight! I think Pat gave you some outstanding information above and those links are full of great insight and personal experience.

I have a dear friend who recently lost 50 pounds and along the way she shared with me some tips that I think would be helpful for anyone who is losing weight, regardless of how they decide to do it (through a weight reduction program, on their own, low carb, etc.). For example, she said she kept reminding herself that she didn't gain the weight overnight, so she had to be patient and lose it slowly. She gave herself a goal of 1 pound a week, and a whole year to lose the 50 pounds. A lot of people start out all hung ho to lose weight and then lose a lot at first but then burn out. For my girlfriend, she said it was important to her to go slowly and incorporate a lot of small changes in her diet that added up to big things, rather than tell herself she'd never eat another Oreo again.

Another thing that helped her was to not focus on the big goal of 50 pounds, as that overwhelmed her, but to break it down into smaller, more manageable goals. For her that was 10 pounds at a time. Then as she reached each goal of 10 pounds, she treated herself to something she wanted, like a new coffee mug or some new makeup, etc. She said that if she kept thinking "I have to lose 50 pounds" she would just freak out and think "that's so much, I can't do that!!" but she thought that 10 pounds was a good amount to try for. So she lost 10, and then started all over to lose another 10, and she said before she knew it she was at 20, and then 30, 40, and then 50.

I hope this helps! Please keep us posted on your progress!! Big hugs, Michelle

Hello Anon -
Congratulations on your decision to lose weight, and for coming to the EmpowHer site to seek information. Getting to a healthy weight, and maintaining it, can be one of the best ways to take care of your body and enhance your overall health and well-being.

It sounds like you're looking for a standard answer or formula, but there's no such thing. For the type of weight loss you want to undertake you should seek the advice and support of your healthcare provider. He/she can help you determine a healthy weight level and also help you approach your weight loss in a solid, steady manner that also incorporates an exercise program which will help reduce the chances for having an excess skin problem.

To get you started, here are some links to information from a member who underwent a 70 pound weight loss and shares a lot of tips and insights:

https://www.empowher.com/media/video/video-roni-answers-your-weight-loss-questions-eating-out-menu-planning-staying-focused

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2009/01/05/ronis-weigh-helpful-weight-loss-and-diet-tips

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2008/08/25/ronis-weigh-dieting-made-me-fat-7-tips-healthier-lifestyle

https://www.empowher.com/news/herarticle/2008/10/17/ronis-weigh-habits-naturally-slim-lets-compare

Anon, it's going to take time and a lot of work to accomplish a major weight loss. Please review the articles, and the video presentation, and then let us know what you plan to do next and if you have additional questions.

Congratulations again on taking the initial steps toward a healthy weight, and good luck to you in doing so.

Take good care,
Pat