After a lifetime of being very slim I developed a serious depressive illness about 12 years ago and from the time I started taking the medication to treat the condition I started to gain weight. I am still taking the medication to this day and while I am happy to report that I am doing well from a mental health perspective, my body weight has literally doubled from what I was to start with. Because some of my medication is sedating and also slows down the metabolism as well as creating a 'false appetite', losing weight is difficult but to be honest I have never really given it a good try until now. I have also developed serious degeneration of the cartilage in my lower spine having broken my spine about 15 years ago, as well as chronic sciatica and I am in constant pain which, I believe, is exacerbated by the pressure on my back from my excess weight so it just has to go. I have an 11 year old daughter who I adore but who loses out because my mobility is so restricted, I can hardly go anywhere or engage in any fun activity with her. All this sounds terribly negative and kind of self-pitying and it is because it is the truth for me at the moment but it is a truth that I am determined to change. I am not typically a 'moaner' about things but I suppose this is a place where I get to do that for once so there you go :-) I am happy to offer as well as accept support from anyone, particularly if there is anyone with a similar story to mine who is on the same journey. Good luck to everyone with your weight loss. It is not easy for anyone but we will get there!