Inability to lose weight?

Andreaviolet89

Do you think that there is a such thing as people having an inability to lose weight? You see some people at the gym everyday and who count calories and what not and their bodies never change. They will say that they are doing everything right and the scale isn't moving, and I've experienced this at points as well. I was wondering, is it possible that some people are the size that nature intended them to be and no amount of efforts is going to change that? Or is there something else that might be going on there?

KPMP1992

I believe the body has a set point. When I was in my 20s and 30s, I weighed 130-135 (I'm 5'6). I'm 42 now and 143. I am beginning to think that maybe this is where I am supposed to be (?) That doesn't mean that I will stop exercising and watching what I eat, but if despite these efforts, the scale doesn't budge, maybe I need to consider this is where my body wants to be.

ElizabethKalmbach

I am a mesomorph, and I KNOW how to diet for fat loss. And yet, there ARE times when I can't lose weight. When I find those times, I go to the doctor. First time this happened, I found out I was hypothyroid. The second time this happened, I found out I was suffering from B12 Anemia.

Hormonal problems and vitamin deficiencies can DRASTICALLY effect your ability to lose weight through traditional means. I know that I am doing everything right, because the MINUTE I get my problem corrected, I start losing 2 lbs per week without changing anything from what I was doing when "it wasn't working."

ndj1979

Do you think that there is a such thing as people having an inability to lose weight? You see some people at the gym everyday and who count calories and what not and their bodies never change. They will say that they are doing everything right and the scale isn't moving, and I've experienced this at points as well. I was wondering, is it possible that some people are the size that nature intended them to be and no amount of efforts is going to change that? Or is there something else that might be going on there?

you see them for one hour a day, so you have no clue what they do the other 23 hours....what if they go home and binge on ice cream and cookies...? People will say anything and then go do something else in the privacy of their own home...

brower47

Do you think that there is a such thing as people having an inability to lose weight? You see some people at the gym everyday and who count calories and what not and their bodies never change. They will say that they are doing everything right and the scale isn't moving, and I've experienced this at points as well. I was wondering, is it possible that some people are the size that nature intended them to be and no amount of efforts is going to change that? Or is there something else that might be going on there?

I believe that if those people who have an "inability to lose weight" were suddenly thrust into an impoverished nation setting and forced to live there for a few years, that "inability to lose weight" would mysteriously disappear.

nicoleashley_24

Aside from actual medical conditions, I think the people you are referring to may just be doing the wrong exercise for them. For instance, I was heavy into cardio the last few years and while I was able to run a couple races and have a good time doing so, my body didn't care how many calories I was burning. However, the first week I picked up some heavy weights, I noticed a change in my body and I've since lost over 10% body fat. So you can do all the "right things" but if they aren't the right things for YOUR body, it won't make a difference, at least in your shape.

thisismeraw

I think there are definitely factors that make it harder for someone to lose weight but I don't think it's impossible for some to lose. I think it all comes down to what they are doing.

If they are at the gym everyday, are they actually working at a good intensity? Are they changing up their routine now and again to challenge their body? Are they putting in real effort?

For counting calories, are they just eyeballing their portions? Or are they actually using measuring spoons/cups for liquids and a kitchen scale for foods? Far too often people tend to just eyeball portions which usually means they are consuming more calories than they think they are. Also, without actually weighing foods calorie counts will not be correct. Are they getting their water in? Are they limiting processed foods? Are they filling up on sodium?

Andreaviolet89

I think there are definitely factors that make it harder for someone to lose weight but I don't think it's impossible for some to lose. I think it all comes down to what they are doing.

If they are at the gym everyday, are they actually working at a good intensity? Are they changing up their routine now and again to challenge their body? Are they putting in real effort?

For counting calories, are they just eyeballing their portions? Or are they actually using measuring spoons/cups for liquids and a kitchen scale for foods? Far too often people tend to just eyeball portions which usually means they are consuming more calories than they think they are. Also, without actually weighing foods calorie counts will not be correct. Are they getting their water in? Are they limiting processed foods? Are they filling up on sodium?

Andreaviolet89

You have a really good point about people just eyeballing their food portions. I didn't even think about that. I think that the reality of how little a portion size is supposed to be compared to what people are used to is a shock lol.

gigglybeth

Aside from actual medical conditions, I think the people you are referring to may just be doing the wrong exercise for them. For instance, I was heavy into cardio the last few years and while I was able to run a couple races and have a good time doing so, my body didn't care how many calories I was burning. However, the first week I picked up some heavy weights, I noticed a change in my body and I've since lost over 10% body fat. So you can do all the "right things" but if they aren't the right things for YOUR body, it won't make a difference, at least in your shape.

I really believe this, too. Congrats on your loss!

doIlhands

Im betting 90% of those people aren't weighing their food/overestimating the calories burned at the gym = unintentionally eating too many calories.

Andreaviolet89

I am a mesomorph, and I KNOW how to diet for fat loss. And yet, there ARE times when I can't lose weight. When I find those times, I go to the doctor. First time this happened, I found out I was hypothyroid. The second time this happened, I found out I was suffering from B12 Anemia.

Hormonal problems and vitamin deficiencies can DRASTICALLY effect your ability to lose weight through traditional means. I know that I am doing everything right, because the MINUTE I get my problem corrected, I start losing 2 lbs per week without changing anything from what I was doing when "it wasn't working."

Yes, when this happened to me I ended up finding out that it was because I had an under active thyroid as well. I told the doctor that I was eating like 1,200 calories a day and nothing was happening and they thought that that wasn't right so some searching found that out. Thank you for your response.

Saucy_lil_Minx

Do you think that there is a such thing as people having an inability to lose weight? You see some people at the gym everyday and who count calories and what not and their bodies never change. They will say that they are doing everything right and the scale isn't moving, and I've experienced this at points as well. I was wondering, is it possible that some people are the size that nature intended them to be and no amount of efforts is going to change that? Or is there something else that might be going on there?

No my doctor spit the B.S. at me (of course after all my test for hormone imbalance came back negative) when I asked him about my weight. He had the nerve to say well if your mom is big, and so are her sisters, and their mom, and so on. I had to prove him wrong. I dropped twenty pounds went back. He asked how I did it? I told him hard work. Then..... Needless to say I got a new doctor, and had a trial and error period in which I had to find what worked for me. I think people try these fads for a short time because they do not want to put in what it really takes to make the change. (I was one for a while) I realized i have to put me in the equation, and find out what it takes for me. This meant a ton of research. lifestyle shifting and getting my A@@ up more!! I now know it might be harder for me to lose it, but I can, and WILL do it! Pound by pound, Inch by inch! Don't be a defeatist, or your own worse enemy! I now live by the rule a new ideas have a two month grace period...one month to make it habit, and one month to see if it changes me. I am in no hurry to get there quick. I just want to get there in a way I know I won't go back to bad habits. I realize this is a life long attitude for my WHOLE family!

tcraw15

Do you think that there is a such thing as people having an inability to lose weight? You see some people at the gym everyday and who count calories and what not and their bodies never change. They will say that they are doing everything right and the scale isn't moving, and I've experienced this at points as well. I was wondering, is it possible that some people are the size that nature intended them to be and no amount of efforts is going to change that? Or is there something else that might be going on there?

No my doctor spit the B.S. at me (of course after all my test for hormone imbalance came back negative) when I asked him about my weight. He had the nerve to say well if your mom is big, and so are her sisters, and their mom, and so on. I had to prove him wrong. I dropped twenty pounds went back. He asked how I did it? I told him hard work. Then..... Needless to say I got a new doctor, and had a trial and error period in which I had to find what worked for me. I think people try these fads for a short time because they do not want to put in what it really takes to make the change. (I was one for a while) I realized i have to put me in the equation, and find out what it takes for me. This meant a ton of research. lifestyle shifting and getting my A@@ up more!! I now know it might be harder for me to lose it, but I can, and WILL do it! Pound by pound, Inch by inch! Don't be a defeatist, or your own worse enemy! I now live by the rule a new ideas have a two month grace period...one month to make it habit, and one month to see if it changes me. I am in no hurry to get there quick. I just want to get there in a way I know I won't go back to bad habits. I realize this is a life long attitude for my WHOLE family!

What a great attitude to have! Congrats on your losses.

_Zardoz_

Everyone can lose weight. Those who do not have a medical condition need to stop fooling themselves. Those who do have medical conditions can do so in conjunction with a suitably qualified person.

ash190489

Do you think that there is a such thing as people having an inability to lose weight? You see some people at the gym everyday and who count calories and what not and their bodies never change. They will say that they are doing everything right and the scale isn't moving, and I've experienced this at points as well. I was wondering, is it possible that some people are the size that nature intended them to be and no amount of efforts is going to change that? Or is there something else that might be going on there?

I honestly believe this is me right now! I was just saying the other day that I must have to go to extremes to lose anymore weight. I have been basically the same weight now for the past 15 months (give or take 1kg here or there) and I feel I am eating better than ever (80% good, 20% naughty) and exercising like a maniac in both strength training (heavy lifting) and cardio in high - moderate intensity. It's not fair. I have put my calories up from 1200 to between 1350-1550 cals and i am every so slightly naughty here and there on my weekends but for the amount of exercise I do with still a calorie controlled diet, I need some serious help!!!

juliegrey1

I would be for agreeing with you I think each individual body does have a set point,Im 5 ft 2 and when I have drastically cut back Ive reached 136 lbs,I dont eat junk and I love my exercise I cycle 12 miles 3-4 days a week am as fit as a fiddle when Im not on the bike I walk 8-10 miles and still I will hover between 147-150 lbs!Ive had 5 children and Im 45 so maybe it is harder to loose or as you say maybe thats where I am meant to be!!!!!

MyChocolateDiet

:yawn:

freemystery

I used to feel this way, that no matter what I did my weight would be the same or just nudge up a little bit but never down. I think this was more my fault though, I was Typical traps... not counting the calories that I drank. Easily done when everyone's in a beer garden in the sunshine! Not counting snacks, underestimating snacking. Not paying attention to portion size, assuming "low fat" or "sugar free" meant I had a free ride.

Now that I'm actually tracking calories and activity it's a cold shock to realise what 100g looks like. Or how long it takes to burn off one cookie. Or how loaded with calories some drinks are!

In the past I'd guesstimate that I'd had about 1500 calories, now I check again it's more like 2200+ Add to that I just seem to be slow to lose weight, maybe because of my height or maybe just another reality check but it's slow going and every time you think "oh I've been good I'll have a treat" it's just slowing your progress. There's no time off from it.

If you're being vigilant about intake and excusing any fluctuations from water weight/ hormone cycle and you're not seeing any results at all, there might be a case for seeing your doctor as some posters have mentioned.

Andreaviolet89

Do you think that there is a such thing as people having an inability to lose weight? You see some people at the gym everyday and who count calories and what not and their bodies never change. They will say that they are doing everything right and the scale isn't moving, and I've experienced this at points as well. I was wondering, is it possible that some people are the size that nature intended them to be and no amount of efforts is going to change that? Or is there something else that might be going on there?

No my doctor spit the B.S. at me (of course after all my test for hormone imbalance came back negative) when I asked him about my weight. He had the nerve to say well if your mom is big, and so are her sisters, and their mom, and so on. I had to prove him wrong. I dropped twenty pounds went back. He asked how I did it? I told him hard work. Then..... Needless to say I got a new doctor, and had a trial and error period in which I had to find what worked for me. I think people try these fads for a short time because they do not want to put in what it really takes to make the change. (I was one for a while) I realized i have to put me in the equation, and find out what it takes for me. This meant a ton of research. lifestyle shifting and getting my A@@ up more!! I now know it might be harder for me to lose it, but I can, and WILL do it! Pound by pound, Inch by inch! Don't be a defeatist, or your own worse enemy! I now live by the rule a new ideas have a two month grace period...one month to make it habit, and one month to see if it changes me. I am in no hurry to get there quick. I just want to get there in a way I know I won't go back to bad habits. I realize this is a life long attitude for my WHOLE family!

That is awesome. For me I am also not doing some fast over night weight loss diet. I wanted a lifestyle change where I am not only thinner but healthier too. I've switched to a mostly organic diet and am doing my best to not eat things with artificial crap in it. I feel like it is really worth it.

evileen99

I'm friends with a couple that are obese. They are convinced that genetics, metabolism, etc. are all aligned against them because even though they don't eat much, it's nearly impossible for them to lose weight. (They've been checked for thyroid issues, etc. Everything came back normal)

What they consider "not eating much" is probably 4000 or more calories a day.

"A couple of pieces of chicken and vegetables" for dinner is two leg/thigh combos (so really, FOUR pieces of chicken per person), half a bag of frozen corn (with butter, of course), and at least a cup of mashed potatoes with gravy. When they make sandwiches, they have at least an inch of lunchmeat on them. You get the picture. They truly do not think that they eat all that much food.

So people may tell you that they watch what they eat, etc., but that doesn't mean that they're doing it effectively.