I'm 22 years old and it's my time to enjoy my youth and live it up. Instead of going out and making memories, I'm too busy avoiding my friends and family because I'm too ashamed of how much I've let myself go. When I look in the mirror I don't even recognize myself- my skin and my body look awful. I've been in denial for way too long. I'm 5'1, I weigh 200lbs and I've been in denial for way too long. It's time for me to take control of my eating habits and start living a healthy lifestyle. I know it won't be easy, but hopefully I'll succeed.

no hopefully about it - if you want this and are willing to make the changes neccessary you will succeed.

Spend some time reading the stickied threads around the forum -they'll give you some good starting points and valuable information... and welcome to the site

It is hard to face the facts and the pain of over weight. But coming to terms with having a problem and wanting to do something about it is a good place to start.
You are young and over weight and have a good change of not repeating some of the mistakes that cause many over weight people do to gain even more weight by destroying their bodies, health, self confidence and self esteem by stupid starvation diets. Commit your self to the process of eating healthy and begin exercising and you will loose weight.
I also hit rock bottom August 22. this year and finally came to my senses and began treating myself better and work on lasting changes that will make me loose weight, become stronger (And hopefully better looking), I know I have to do this the rest of my life. I wish you well on your journey towards your goal of loosing weight and become happier about the person you see in the mirror.

Hi

You are not alone. Many of us lived in denial for a very long time. I was in denial for virtually your lifetime. The problem only gets worse. You are right to deal with it now. I am just dealing with the problem at 48 years of age.

Many of us find it a good idea to list what food we eat and what exercise we do in our diary. It gives an opportunity for others to suggest how we could improve things.

I find walking a really good form of exercise. It is free and something a larger person can manage (I still could not run). I wear a pedometer all the time and find it very useful. A lot of authorities say that we should all try to walk 10,000 steps a day.

Good luck with your weight loss project.

Best wishes
Margaret

Thanks everyone for your kind words and support =) I believe I'm ready for the long road ahead of me. I'm hoping that by starting now, I'm jump starting my weight loss for a new me to come in 2008!