[S.Costello]

We had a long winter here in Chiberia, though I don't really blame that on my weight gain as much as the job I've had since November and (up until this past month) having to commute a long way to it. I would have to get up at ungodly hours every morning to mostly sit down for 8 hours straight, then bear another long commute home. Naturally, by the time all that is done, I didn't want to do jack *****, so I would sit around binge eating sweet stuff. Now here I am: most of my pants don't fit and when I gain water weight, it looks like I'm pregnant (because my stomach just goes straight out, rather than evenly distribute).

Right now I'm wearing a waist cincher as I sit on my bed typing this, just so I can't feel the roll I've developed as much. I don't care if it pushes on my internal organs -- maybe it will crush my stomach so it stops developing into a bottomless pit. I'm so pissed at myself that I purchased a 10-class punch card at this women's fitness center not far from me. My first class is this Sunday (high intensity training outdoors).

As far as that demon known as food... I should just eliminate most of it entirely. I don't even remember the last time I ate any junk food (I stopped after I realized I couldn't fit into some of my pants). I'm considering eliminating meat entirely (temporarily, of course) and just eating/drinking plants and smoothies and coffee and water (both regular and sparkling). Maybe I can suppress my appetite by watching old episodes of Infested (hey, it's cheaper than buying actual appetite suppressants from GNC or Vitamin Shoppe).

I hate belly fat. I really do. I hate that my job and old residence have largely contributed to this disgusting flab that's threatening my wardrobe and bank account (no way am I buying all new clothes to "accommodate" this nasty *****). I wish I could cut the stuff off with a knife. I wish there was an easier way than working my body to death. I wish those stupid weight loss pills really worked or that laxatives and "cleanses" could eliminate this temporary problem like *snap* without potentially giving me more long-term problems.

I mean, it's not even that much weight to lose -- just enough so I can fit perfectly back into my pants and not look like I have a bun in the oven. God, I hate being chubby.

[glok]

Hello, S.Costello. Perhaps, a nutritionist might be helpful in making healthy diet adjustments? One helped me.

I wish you well.

[thickntired]

Hi,

I know exactly what you're talking about and it sucks! I can't find a decent pair of jeans to save my life. Most of the weight in my abdomen came on when I started Anti-Psychotics. A lot of psych meds can cause weight gain in that area, and it's a high risk area for heart problems when you get older.

Besides eating healthy NOT starving I added exercise on a budget, because I can't afford a gym. Really the only thing a gym is worth would be a pool for swimming. I walk 10,000 steps or 5 miles 5 to 6 times a week with some hills. You're supposed to walk this far everyday, but what am I an Olympian? Then I have a nice thick mat I bought at Aldi's for Pilates. There are Pilates DVD's and books galore available USED for a few dollars on Amazon. Some of the exercises use balls - which are good if you don't have a back injury. Some use bands - make sure they are not flimsy, cheap bands that twist beyond use in 30 minutes. YouTube and Pintrest have more information. Remember with Pilates you're not trying to burn fat but build long lean muscle. So, cardio in conjunction with strength training is a must.

[kiwi33]

Hi S.Costello

Belly fat (sometimes called visceral fat) is a metabolically active tissue. That means that it produces a number of signalling molecules (variously called cytokines, hormones...) - excess levels of these are linked to a number of serious health issues. The contrast is with sub-cutaneous ("under the skin") fat, which is mainly an energy store.

I agree with glok that talking with a nutritionist is a good idea.

You might find the information here helpful before you talk with a nutritionist or other health professional: How to Lose Belly Fat: Tips for a Flatter Stomach .

[IchbinkeinTeufel]

You don't need a gym to get a workout. I've been working out from home for years, and have plenty of equipment. There's good stuff at the gym and support if needed, but it's certainly not necessary, and best avoided if you're going to be anxious, IMO.