I was very thin the first 21 years of my life. I simply ate my way to 287. I work hard to keep the weight off but wonder if it is easier for me because I wasn't an obese child?

It probably is a little easier, though I know of no studies which back this up. I wasn't heavy as a kid, though I wasn't stick thin, either. I first gained weight when I was 19. Then by age 21 I had lost it and then some, and was very thin. I've bounced around a lot since then.

?? You say it's hard work to keep the weight off, but think it may be some semblance of easier since you haven't faced a lifetime of obesity. Hard is hard, it maybe different. I often feel like I can't relate to those who haven't faced lifelong obesity-- but again; hard is hard.

Thats like someone with a family history of cancer saying thier battle is harder then one without a family history. It's still cancer and it still sucks.

I definitely see your point!

Well said

I am 67 now and lost 100 and gained 110 MANY times, was just thinking is all.

I've seen many say they were pro's at losing, stating just as you said-lost and gained substantial amounts over and over.

Not my experience- I had one major loss of about 60#, and slowly regained.

losing was hard, maintaining was never an effort then- cause I foolishly thought- once it's gone it's just gone.

That's me. I am a pro at losing and I absolutely suck at maintaining.

Min the past I would always say that I am never going back - I think I was pretty ****y about it.

This time around I'm doing a ton more work on my head - and on remaining accountable.

When I quit smoking nine years ago I realized I can't ever touch a cigarette again - with eating that's a lot harder - but I am concentrating on making sure I hold tight to these new habits everyday.

And yes... hard is hard. I don't honestly think it's any easier to maintain a loss based on a lack of childhood obesity. Once you get there you are facing all the same struggles.

"That's me. I am a pro at losing and I absolutely suck at maintaining."

-Hahaha! Me too!

You're describing me minus the smoking!