Fitbit calories just not adding up

Tobysgirl212

Since getting a Fitbit Jan. 15 and becoming a ton more active, I noticed it hasn't made a difference in my rate of loss at all. Look at the graph below at Jan 15 when I started using it, burning an average of 2,100 calories a day. For the time being I haven't been eating back my exercise calories, but average consumption is 1,300 over the last 4 weeks. This should be a 800 cal deficit (I weigh everything, including my sriracha sauce!). I have MFP set to "sedentary" and 1 lb per week loss. I have less than 5 lbs to lose and am lean, so maybe this is the problem. Still, isn't it surprising that adding in significant cardio and walking didn't change the trend line at all? I know, I should just be happy that there's a downward trend, and maybe that's what you'll tell me. But if you have any advice or insight beyond that I would appreciate it. I like exercising but it's a bit demoralizing that it doesn't seem to burn calories! I'm not a unicorn--CICO right?

CyberTone

Your chart looks very normal, considering you are 5 pounds to your goal.

I experienced 10, 15 and then 20 day mini-stalls as I got closer to my goal range. I just kept up with a consistent caloric deficit and the weight loss eventually showed up on the scale.

kiara1066

Looks like you lost 2 pounds great job! Since you have less than 5 pounds to lose and you are already working out. I have been reading some threads where people started to increase their calorie eaten eating back 30-50% of their calories back might be helpful for you as well. I would take my time on the 5 pounds and instead set your goal on MFP to lose 0.5 pounds and I will give you a higher amount of calories you can have. See if that works you might be eating only a little since you're also working out right now. Best of luck to you! And also consider seeing a dietician who can give you more insight.

kiara1066

I also have a Fitbit I want to add the 2100 calorie burns is for the whole day we burn calories as we sit, and even sleep so Fitbit takes that into consideration. I mostly just track the walking and excercise and eat back half of my calories I have lost 12 pounds so far.

maxit

Bodies are complicated mechanisms. Scale weight is a factor of both body mass and what happens to be busy digesting inside of it at the same time, plus water. As long as you have a downward trend, are adequately nourished, and feel OK, just keep doing what you are doing.

Edit to add this thought - all of the numbers for CI/CO are estimates. You may be very good at estimating, but either or both sides of the equation might be off.

scolaris

You are not going to lose that fast at that end of the weight loss spectrum. You have to be content with a slower fine tuning.

Christine_72

I think your trend line looks beautiful. Mine looks more like a Rabbid deformed dogs leg

Tobysgirl212

Thanks for all of your support and suggestions. I guess at the end of the day, the scale doesn't lie and these calories are just estimates. Best to stay the course and not get too impatient