Dear Anne
I'm going to hospital every two to three months, taking tablets called Clomid to help me get pregnant. The doctor has told me to lose a stone in weight. I was wondering if you know a diet for me to use. Every diet I have ever used, I lose weight but then put it on. If you can help me I'd be very grateful. Shamia
Dear Shamia
I do sympathise. It's very frustrating to lose weight and then put it on again as many women know! But the sad fact is that if you have a tendency to put on weight, you have to change your long-term eating and exercise patterns because your metabolism is so efficient, now and for always.
Weight Watchers have a good diet, based on three principles: firstly, that if your body thinks it's being starved it will hang onto every available calorie; secondly, that low fat/high fibre healthy eating will stop you feeling hungry and help you lose weight; and thirdly, that once you've reached your target weight you will need to follow a maintenance diet to stay at that point. Another nice thing about the Weight Watchers diet is that it recognises that people need treats sometimes so you can budget for that with their points system. You can find your nearest branch of Weight Watchers listed in Yellow Pages or through Directory Enquiries. Many women find the companionship and support of their fellow members helpful, too.
Your doctor is right when he says that significant overweight can make conception more difficult. It may help you to think of the joy of reaching your target, but rather than focussing only on this, what other good things would being slimmer mean for you? Will your confidence be higher? Your health and energy levels be more comfortable? What achievements can you aim for in other areas tomake your life more rewarding?
You can lose weight. You know this because you have in the past. The trick then is not to go back to unhealthy eating and exercise regimes but to stick with what makes you feel good. I wish you the best of luck.Back to Ask Anne
