As a man it is found to be quite unusual to have a long time suffering of weight problems, most assume that it is purely a problem among women. Well my friends it isn't, men struggle to. We feel the same want to live up to some kind of social norm and sometimes that is unrealistic.
My struggle started when I was between seventh and eighth grade, I was a late bloomer when it came to getting taller. I was short and squat. All though I was muscular, I had spent the summer dead lifting fifty pound suitcase weights for my dad, he did antique tractor pulls. I could also leg press 400 pounds fairly easily. However I was "fat", and was reminded that often by the cruelty of my peers.
After eighth grade I became completely anorexic, I hit my growth spurt and lost 40 pounds in one month going from 185 to 145. From then on I maintained a body weight of 145 to 160 though my first marriage and into my second marriage. Though I still thought I was fat, you are what you are told you are, right.
Then came my mental crash, I had been diagnosed when I was younger with a couple different mental health diagnosis, but was frankly in denial and didn't take meds. Well when I crashed, here came the meds and any of you who are on meds know what that generally means; weight gain.
By the time my second marriage exploded and dissolved because I had imploded, I was almost 300 pounds and I was severely unhappy, because of it. However it motivated me to do something about it and I did a few simple things, I'd like to share, I don't "diet". I believe dieting is bad, the root word of diet is die, get the point. Still on meds these are things I did to lose weight.
Quit adding sugar to things, cereal, coffee, tea etc...
Quit using creamer in my coffee, note creamer is one molecule different than motor oil, I learned that from a nutritionist
Switched from cow milk to almond or coconut milk, humans really can't thoroughly digest cow's milk, some have developed the ability, but almond milk has just as much calcium, less fat and more potassium
Cut back on my soda-pop intake, esp energy drinks, it takes 30 glasses of water to process out one can of any energy drink. Also soda tricks the mind that you are not full, this is especially the case for diet soda's (artificial sweeteners are not good)
Got a little bit more exercise, I didn't do much but a little goes a long way, I average walking 20 miles per week now
Also I laid off the salt, I don't add it to my food, I cook with it but don't add extra, if I need flavor I add hot sauce that has no sodium
Lastly I drink plenty of water, tea (decaf or herbal) and I still enjoy my morning coffee
Hope this helps, I am finally down bellow 200 pounds, still want to lose about 25, my ideal weight for my height and age is about 175. Do I still struggle with looking at myself in the mirror and saying I am "fat" yes, I believe it's called poly dismorphic disorder. Good day all, keep your chin up, hope this helps anyone going through the same, and yes I did this while on my meds, something I was told couldn't be done. Oh, and now I am a full vegetarian and I have quit smoking, after 18 years of smoking; which nicotine is said to be an appetite suppressant.

[Fresia]

Thank you for sharing and for your insights along the way that has helped and what has not. It is a struggle for both men and women and I commend you for enduring the struggle, finding the courage to continue working towards your goals, and taking steps, some I know are easier and some are much, much harder to make the changes. In knowing how hard it is, I am sending heartfelt congratulations for your successes and there are many to be proud of, and wishing you all the best to meet the goals you want to achieve in the future.

Again thank for sharing and for the inspiration, as your story is inspiring, for those of us as we struggle with this too. Some days are so much more difficult than others and lately have been having those days. It is nice to know not alone; I know that can find the strength to keep up the motivation and making the changes towards healthier living. Best wishes in all your endeavors.