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From 200 to 176 in 13 Months: a Weight Loss Journey

Follow the weight loss journey of a reddit user who battled weight gain from birth control and antidepressants. Discover ways to lose weight and improve your mental health.

Article by Madeleine Smith

A photo of a 5'4" woman showing a weight cut from 200 pounds to 176 pounds. A respectable loss of 24 pounds.
F/24/5’4” [200 > 176 = 24] (13 months) Needed to remind myself how much I’ve improved after being in a mental slump for a month. After years of birth control and antidepressants contributing to weight gain, I’ve finally been able to get some off, slowly but surely.
Originally posted on /r/progresspics

Introduction

Weight gain due to hormonal contraceptives and medications can be frustrating, and it can be difficult to find a weight loss solution. One Reddit user named mbart3, who struggled with weight gain caused by years of taking birth control and antidepressants, decided to take her health into her own hands. After years of trial and error, mbart3 shares her weight loss journey, losing 24 pounds in 13 months.

Finding the Right Path

Mbart3 experimented with various weight loss techniques until she found a method that worked for her- Caloric Intake-Lifting Weights (CICO) system along with weight lifting. CICO is a method that involves tracking the number of calories consumed and burned to create a daily deficit resulting in weight loss. Regular exercise and weight lifting also play a significant role in weight loss.

The Struggle with Hormonal Contraceptives

Mbart3 was on birth control pills for about four years before switching to a hormonal intrauterine device (IUD) two years ago. She mentions gaining over 50 pounds since starting college. In addition, hormonal IUDs and other contraceptives may contribute to bloat and weight gain, hence, it is essential to identify other contraceptive options or talk to a medical doctor to ensure the right contraceptive type is selected.

The Mental Health Benefits of Weight Loss

Mbart3 mentions that after battling a mental slump for a month, she remindered herself of her weight loss progress, and that improved her mental health. It is essential to recognize how weight loss can positively affect mental health by boosting confidence and lowering stress levels. A healthy lifestyle of proper diet and exercise contributes to stress reduction and enables individuals to take control of their mental health better.

Conclusion

Weight loss can be challenging but is achievable with the right techniques and support. Determining which methods work best for you can help in developing an effective weight loss strategy. It is also important to keep tabs on birth control methods being used and their potential side effects. Improving diet and exercise can help combat mental health issues caused by weight gain for a better quality of life.

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Madeleine Smith

Content Lead at MyProgressPics.com

Madeleine is passionate about empowering individuals with the information and tools they need to transform their bodies and lives.