Sorry if the topic title is a little vague. Here's what's happening with me:

I've gained about 60 pounds in the last two years (I spent the two years before that losing 70 pounds via fasting) and I absolutely cannot lose it. By looking at me, you'd think I just gorge constantly - I'm 5 and a half feet tall and nearly 200 pounds, but I do not consume more than 1500 calories a day (including drinks).

I admit I don't exercise beyond walking short distances (even now, I don't do that much because it's been much too cold), but my diet is not that bad. Pretty much, my main sources of food are bran cereal with skim milk and Hot Pockets (about 300 calories each - not too bad), and all I drink is unsweetened green tea, water, skim milk and the occasional iced tea. I also don't eat fast food, drink soda or fruit juices.

I decided to analyze my current eating habits with the help of the Weight Watchers point system. On a normal day, making no attempt to diet, I only consumed 16 points worth of food and drink; for my weight, age and height, I would need to consume between 22 and 27 points to lose weight. So, if I'm actually eating/drinking fewer points than needed, why the h*ll am I either gaining weight or remaining the same weight? I'm 60 pounds overweight for my age and I can't possibly be at a plateau.

As far as exercising, I get too tired out. I can run about a tenth of a mile before needing to stop, and I was this way even when I was only 130 pounds. I also can only handle about 15 minutes of low-degree aerobics before needing to sit and rest. I also developed breathing problems within the past year that further inhibit my ability to handle cardio workouts. Basically, my exercise capabilities are limited to jumping jacks, crunches, push-ups (about 20) and DDR. Doing five minutes of exercise won't help me at all.

I am so completely confused - how can I possibly gain weight when I don't eat that much? People have suggested eating more to boost my metabolism, but that will only make me gain even more weight since my metabolism already sucks, and I'm not fat enough for gastric bypass or liposuction. I don't want to risk getting any fatter.

I'm at the end of my rope. I am considering fasting again because it's the only method that ever worked for me. Has anyone else ever faced this problem? If so, how did you deal with it? For the record, I can't afford a dietician or a nutritionalist (student), and I don't have $50 to join the local gym.