250 lbs and desperate to lose weight
Dear Donovan,
I desperately need your help. I am 5ft 4inches tall and I weigh a whopping 250 pounds. In my opinion, my metabolic rate is at 0 per cent because I tried dieting a few times and the weight went nowhere. I have no opportunity or time to exercise because I work in an office and I live far from work. On weekends I do regular housework — cook, clean, wash and iron. I need to lose at least 70 pounds, but is this possible without frequent exercise? Is there anything to boost my metabolism? I am willing to make the sacrifice. Please give me your urgent advice.
Based on your height, 250 pounds is definitely too much. Being overweight is potentially a serious problem. Extra fat, especially in the stomach region, puts you at great risk for many lifestyle diseases; for example, diabetes, hypertension, strokes, etc. Drastic efforts must be made to lose 70 or 80 pounds in a reasonable time.
I see that you are very concerned about your metabolic rate. However, I would really like to see how you respond to a good lifestyle weight loss programme involving exercise and a proper diet. In my own experience I’ve found the metabolic rate of most people to be not as slow as they think. I am almost sure that if you make the proper changes in your diet and get in some more exercise you will do just fine.
I get the feeling that your job plays a big part in your weight gain and is preventing you from taking it off. You definitely need your job, so you will have to make some adjustments. Is it possible for you to prepare lunch, maybe even dinner, from overnight and take it to work with you the next day? Oftentimes, the food available at work might not be good for a weight loss programme.
Also, if not the entire meal, you could take a vegetable salad and get the meat at work. In addition, since you live far from work, eating dinner before you leave work might prevent you from eating too late at night. However, in general I want you to eat more fruits, vegetables, vegetable juices, soups, salads, etc. Attempts must be made to reduce your carbohydrate intake. In addition, you should avoid processed snacks, fried foods, sweet drinks and sodas.
You might also need a support team who will keep you focused on the programme. You will have to increase your activity level. If you have stairs at work, take them instead of taking the elevator. If you take the bus, walk to the farthest bus stop, if possible. The general aim is to get in more activity.
In order to lose weight you will have to reduce your calorie intake and also increase your activity. It is quite possible to lose weight by reducing your calorie intake, but it is also important to eat in a healthy way. Note also that your weight loss programme would need to be adjusted from time to time. This is one of the important reasons why some people choose to work with a nutritionist while doing a weight loss programme.
Good luck!
We will answer your weight-related questions
Are you struggling to lose weight, or just need some advice on living a healthier life? Tell us about your health issues and we’ll have nutritionist and wellness coach Donovan Grant answer them for you. Grant has over 12 years’ experience in the fitness industry and is the owner of DG’s Nutrition and Wellness Centre, 39 Lady Musgrave Road. Call him at 876-286-1363. E-mail questions to clarkep@jamaicaobserver.com.
