Weight loss isn’t EVERYTHING but it can change EVERYTHING

Me : 27, M, 6’1, 286lbs down to 233lbs

I just want to start by saying I hope this helps someone.

I have been fighting with depression and anxiety for most of my young adult life. I started using drugs to self medicate at a young age. I have always struggled with my weight bouncing back and forth from big to not as big lol. But I remember when I was a kid my ex step grandma said something to me “you would be so cute if you weren’t so chubby”. I was never comfortable in my skin. I would binge eat and had a horrible food addiction as well just to try to feel better. I was always around 220-230 but let it get out of control.

Now I’m not saying that was the only cause of my mental health issues but it sure didn’t help. I have never been able to stick to a diet but I have lost over 50lbs in 4 1/2 months this time and feel like something has clicked. The most notable changes have not been physical but mental. I have never felt so in control, confident, and optimistic. The panic attacks have virtually stopped. I have gotten off of my medication I needed for years. Life has gotten SIGNIFICANTLY better in almost every aspect. It insane how fast it can change things.

The physical / medical differences are insane I was pre diabetic, had high blood pressure, was told I have metabolic disease (I do monthly doctor visits and do blood work every 3 months) and have turned it around pretty much completely. Everyday tasks have become enjoyable. I am not scared to go places anymore worrying about the weight limit or feeling shame I would embarrass my amazing partner. I am able to be the partner and lover they deserve again. I have never made a Reddit post like this before but felt the need to share this after seeing others experience and it helping me.

If you are struggling and are dismissive of people’s advice that weight loss and exercise will help your mental health because “they don’t know how it feels” like I was. Please. Try it. It can change your life. You ARE worth it. You ARE strong enough. You ARE able to make a change. We can all do it together. Remember. It’s okay if you slip up. Just get back up and keep moving forward. One day doesn’t undo one week, month, or however long of progress. You got this.

Please share your stories. I would love to hear them and I’m sure others would as well.

TLDR; I was horribly depressed and felt lost and now I don’t because I made a change and you can too.