Hi everyone. I've been reading and browsing this subreddit for the summer and it has been a tremendous help to me in losing weight, getting more fit and then for the moments to calm me down when I'm having anxiety about weight changes. I wanted to post my story and results (so far) to help others who might be having a similar pathway.
For stats, I'm 47 (48 in 11 days), 5'8" male with no history of exercising regularly or any real dieting. My starting weight was 195 and my current weight is 165. Back in May of this year (2025), I weighed 195 lbs and was tired of feeling both unhealthy, low energy, and not fitting clothes well. One of my best friends, who is 32, and lives several states away started his own weight loss journey this year back in January. He was 175 and is now down to 142 (as a 5'5" male). Not only that, he lifts regularly and is a muscular lean 142. He is what really motivated me to start and push forward so I want to give a huge amount of credit to him. He has been very supportive & motivational to me throughout the entire process which is has been one of the biggest benefits I've had.
After my friend lost so much weight and got very fit, he encouraged me to do the same for myself. I downloaded an app to track my calories on July 1 and began the process of logging *everything* and keeping track of what was going in. I started walking everyday and had a beginning pace of 21 minute mile and I did about 2 miles each day. Just yesterday, I did a 16:30 minute mile and I walk about 4-5 miles each day. About 2 months ago I started incorporating weight lifting 3 days a week into my routine. For the most part, I try to stay as active as I can during the day even if that means getting up and doing a quick 15 minute walk at lunch.
For dieting, I cut out mostly all sugar and junk food (like chips, etc). I stuck to a strict calorie deficit, but still ate a variety of foods. So lunches are basically different salads and dinners are then cooked at home with high protein like chicken, eggs, tofu or similar. I do skip breakfast as I do 16:8 fasting (stop eating 8pm and then eat again at 12noon the next day). The dieting was tough in the beginning, but overtime it has been much easier to eat healthier and better proportions.
A couple of weeks ago I was on a cruise and panicked a bit when I saw my weight (which pre-trip was 168) go up to 172, then 174 -- even though I was doing lots of excursions and getting about 25,000 steps per day. However, I read several posts on this subreddit about how that it was water weight due to diet and alcohol and that after a week it should go away after I settle back into my normal routine. Sure enough, last day of cruise I was 174. One week later today, and I'm 165. So the weight did drop off rapidly once I got back to my normal water consumption and dieting routine. So for anyone who is anxious about vacation weight -- don't be! Enjoy your vacation and the weight will come off quickly once you settle back into your schedule coming back home.
The advantages that have come from the weight loss is I'm now a size 34 (and can squeeze into a 33) where I was a size 40 pants in January. I went from size large shirts to mediums which allow me to look a bit more slender and feel better about myself. I also feel like I now look and feel younger than 48. The biggest pluses in health was that I am Type 2 diabetes and my A1C is now in the lower 5s which puts me into "normal" and even below pre-diabetes numbers. My blood pressure is now way lower and now in normal range. My resting heart rate went from 80s to now 64 (today). I don't feel winded anymore walking up stairs. Overall, I just feel a lot better both physically and mentally. I had my testosterone levels checked and back in 2019 I was a 385. This week, the results were 790 and it was all raised naturally as I take no supplements or TRT therapy. Just diet & exercise.
My ultimate goal is 155. I think that would be a good maintain weight for me and I'd like to add more muscle and tone up with a more athletic look. So I'm still pushing forward and trying my best. Just wanted to say thank you to my best friend out there and the people who share their stories and advice in this subreddit for helping me along the way.
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