If calories in vs. calories out is what matters, why no weight loss?
Replies
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Would you mind opening your diary?
I would question though, why a person with an active job (and a good amount of exercise), would eat 1200 calories? Also, how long have you been dieting? Sometimes, if its been for an extended period of time, taking a diet break for a few weeks can help (if nothing else, at least mentally) and the transition back with a lower deficit.
I personally have known and have seen increased weight loss with a more moderate deficit than an aggressive. It's possible that is, because I improved logging and/or my body wasn't retaining as much water weight due to adequate nutrition.2 -
gataman3000 wrote: »Keep in mind when you post in these boards, you are asking for advice from people who have been overweight their entire life, asking people who have been u healthy their entire life how to be healthy. Go to they gym and talking to them, they will give you better advice or a nutritionist.
What are you even talking about?4 -
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I'm in agreement with poster who said Fitbit is inaccurate. From my research, the consensus is that they overestimate calorie burns. This must be true, because if you were actually consuming less than you're burning, you would, in fact, be losing weight.1
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OP-first if you open your diary we may be able to see something you're missing.
Also-with so little to lose, the little things can really make a difference. Assuming you are accurately tracking your food intake, then it's got to be something with the exercise part. So many people overestimate what they burn, and can easily cancel out their needed calorie deficit.2 -
I'm in agreement with poster who said Fitbit is inaccurate. From my research, the consensus is that they overestimate calorie burns. This must be true, because if you were actually consuming less than you're burning, you would, in fact, be losing weight.
Over short periods of time, especially with strenuous workouts, and in very light people, water weight can mask fat loss. It's been 4 weeks and it's quite possible for water weight is superseding fat loss.. And being a women makes it even harder due to monthly cycles.0 -
GuitarJerry wrote: »GuitarJerry wrote: »Because fit bits are inaccurate. That's why. Total pieces of crap. I gained weight using mine. They don't work.
LOL at this blanket statement.
Fitbits have flaws for people like any other fitness tracker, but my Fitbit Charge HR works perfectly fine and I haven't gained a pound while using it. I've consistently lost weight and even gained less weight using its numbers than I thought I would when I was bulking.
My experience varies from yours as well as the next person's. Some people like their experience with using a Fitbit while others don't. Whether it was because of inaccurate food logging, incorrect burns, or a combination of the two, it didn't work for you. It doesn't mean Fitbits don't work and are pieces of crap. If your experience was the norm, they'd be out of business.
If you've read up on how inaccurate all fitness trackers are, you wouldn't have posted this. I was using myself as an example, but lots of research shows that they are very inaccurate across the board. But, I wasn't responding to you. I was responding to her. She's saying calorie counting doesn't work and has proof. I was pointing out that fit bits are inaccurate and that could be one cause of her not losing weight.
in my experience as long as you use the fitness tracker correctly they are pretty good.
Using me as an example...
Gross intake for 2 weeks (logged accurately using a food scale and correct entries) 24103
Gross Calories out based on a fitness tracker 27192
Net result 3089
Lbs lost 1...imagine.
This has been consistent for me since I started using my fitness tracker. I test it every couple of months to make sure that it is still working correctly.
OP weighing everything is a good start but choosing correct entries is as important.9 -
GuitarJerry wrote: »GuitarJerry wrote: »Because fit bits are inaccurate. That's why. Total pieces of crap. I gained weight using mine. They don't work.
LOL at this blanket statement.
Fitbits have flaws for people like any other fitness tracker, but my Fitbit Charge HR works perfectly fine and I haven't gained a pound while using it. I've consistently lost weight and even gained less weight using its numbers than I thought I would when I was bulking.
My experience varies from yours as well as the next person's. Some people like their experience with using a Fitbit while others don't. Whether it was because of inaccurate food logging, incorrect burns, or a combination of the two, it didn't work for you. It doesn't mean Fitbits don't work and are pieces of crap. If your experience was the norm, they'd be out of business.
If you've read up on how inaccurate all fitness trackers are, you wouldn't have posted this. I was using myself as an example, but lots of research shows that they are very inaccurate across the board. But, I wasn't responding to you. I was responding to her. She's saying calorie counting doesn't work and has proof. I was pointing out that fit bits are inaccurate and that could be one cause of her not losing weight.- If you've read up on how inaccurate all fitness trackers are, you wouldn't have posted this.
I have read articles that have debated the inaccuracies of fitness trackers but that doesn't mean they are inaccurate for everyone. From the articles I've read and the experiences from users that I've read, it seems like the more overweight someone is, the more Fitbit overestimates their TDEE. Also, some of the articles were based on self-reported data which, in my opinion, must be taken with a grain of salt. - I was using myself as an example, but lots of research shows that they are very inaccurate across the board.
To use your experience as an example is more than fair, however it should be worded as such. "I gained weight using Fitbit's calorie suggestions, so I'd look to that as a possible cause." or something along those lines is a better statement than "Fitbits are inaccurate. They suck. They don't work." There are threads/posts here that attest to the contrary. - But, I wasn't responding to you. I was responding to her. She's saying calorie counting doesn't work and has proof. I was pointing out that fit bits are inaccurate and that could be one cause of her not losing weight.
Public forum; after 5,000+ posts you should know that. The fact that your post addressed the OP doesn't mean it cannot be debated or commented on in any way. While I agree with you that of course her Fitbit could be a possible cause for her not losing weight, there are also a multitude of other factors to consider such as her TOM, the fact that it's only been a month, the accuracy of her logging, etc. It's undeniable that Fitbit will have a margin of error in either direction, but is that alone enough to cancel out a supposed 7000 calorie weekly deficit? It seems quite unlikely. A 1750 weekly deficit or less I could completely understand the possibility, but a 7000 calorie weekly deficit and no loss tells me it's a lot more than Fitbit's margin of error.
19 - If you've read up on how inaccurate all fitness trackers are, you wouldn't have posted this.
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Perhaps your weight goal is too low for your body type. As an active person who works out, it's important to take into consideration your muscle tone, mass, and bone density. The weight tables for women don't take these into consideration. They are old and based on women being weak and small boned.
If your weight goal is spot on and you can't get past the hump, eat at, or even up to 200 calories over maintenance while keeping an eye on the scale for any possible weight gain. After about 3-4 days, the last few pounds sometimes magically fall off. I can't explain this and won't argue it, but it has gotten me past a few plateaus. If this doesn't work for you the most you will have gained is 600-800 extra calories for the week (which isn't even enough to put on 1/4 lb).0 -
Are you weighing and logging everything? I really do mean weighing everything.
I took thought I was in a deficit and wondered why I couldn't lose weight despite having a 500 cal deficit from my Fitbit every day. Turns out the pre-packaged pizza I've been eating is much, much bigger than what it says on the packaged by a couple hundred calories.
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Did OP ever come back?
For what it's worth my FitBit was very accurate for me, it helped me lose the last 15 lbs and is currently helping me maintain my loss quite easily eating back my exercise adjustments.
My TDEE according to FitBit is 2200, similar to what the OP is saying I think. I lost most of my weight eating between 1600-1900 cals, so if OP is eating 1200 and not losing then there is likely something off with the numbers.5 -
misschellechelle wrote: »I am trying to lose my last 5-7 pounds. I weigh all of my food and log absolutely everything! I also wear a fitbit to get a general idea of calories burned.
Last week, I was 7,000 calories under maintenance for the week. I eat 1200 calories a day and end up burning about 2100-2300 calories a day. When I weighed in, no weight loss! I have been at this plateau for about a month. I have switched up my workouts and been especially mindful of my eating.
Any advice?
2100 to 2300 you are burning off? But you only take it 1200... something ain't right there I think.0 -
I tell this to people all the time...stop worrying about the last 5-7lbs. Are you in your BMI? Are you fit and healthy? Are you eating right and exercising? If yes, then the numbers are an arbitrary goal that maybe your body doesn't care about.
When I was a kid, my mom was friends with a fitness instructor who was let go of her job because she was 5lbs overweight. We couldn't imagine this woman losing any more weight--toned, tight abs, no fat that I could see--but the corporate office of her gym had set an arbitrary height-weight ratio that she could no longer meet.
The scale is suppose to be a tool, not a master. Don't make it one.12 -
gataman3000 wrote: »Keep in mind when you post in these boards, you are asking for advice from people who have been overweight their entire life, asking people who have been u healthy their entire life how to be healthy. Go to they gym and talking to them, they will give you better advice or a nutritionist.
Wrong!! we are the people who have lost weight and have had continued success (for me personally been at goal weight for 3 years) so don't tar everyone with same brush....! We DO know what we're talking about.
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Cave_Goose wrote: »I tell this to people all the time...stop worrying about the last 5-7lbs. Are you in your BMI? Are you fit and healthy? Are you eating right and exercising? If yes, then the numbers are an arbitrary goal that maybe your body doesn't care about.
When I was a kid, my mom was friends with a fitness instructor who was let go of her job because she was 5lbs overweight. We couldn't imagine this woman losing any more weight--toned, tight abs, no fat that I could see--but the corporate office of her gym had set an arbitrary height-weight ratio that she could no longer meet.
The scale is suppose to be a tool, not a master. Don't make it one.
I agree to a point.
But for me 5lbs is the different between my clothing fitting nicely or snuggly...
and perspective...put 5lbs of butter on the table then same 5lbs don't matter.4 -
OP the last 5-7lbs takes much longer because there is less room for errors. You say you are tracking accurately, but take a closer look - are you picking the right calories from the food database, that can lead to BIG inaccuracies. Another poster yesterday said they didn't log condiments. That kind of thing can mean we are eating more than we think.
If you haven't lost in several weeks, you are eating at maintenance.
Fitbit is pretty accurate for me, but you have to allow at least 5% discrepancy in it.
When you say you've switched up workouts, what are you doing different? have you had more DOMS?? that could allow for a little water weight.3 -
gataman3000 wrote: »Keep in mind when you post in these boards, you are asking for advice from people who have been overweight their entire life, asking people who have been u healthy their entire life how to be healthy. Go to they gym and talking to them, they will give you better advice or a nutritionist.
You honestly could not be more wrong.12 -
GuitarJerry wrote: »Because fit bits are inaccurate. That's why. Total pieces of crap. I gained weight using mine. They don't work.
But if OP is weighing and logging everything and eating 1200 calories, they are obviously at a deficit. So the fitbit isn't the issue here.
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Same here- I have been on this weightloss-log everything- exercise daily for at least 30 minutes- drink my water for 23 days- scale hasn't moved even a tenth of a percent....so I had my metabolic weight test done....and I have the metabolic age of a 54 yr old woman- I am 39- I have ZERO metabolism- I have followed ALL of the jumpstart and even had bloodwork done- all clear- but the scale isn't budging.....even tried the nurse's scale where I work....she said it is "totally accurate".......and guess what same as the scale at home to the tenth
I have started Plexus Slim.....to try to jumpstart.......we shall see. 0 -
RunRutheeRun wrote: »gataman3000 wrote: »Keep in mind when you post in these boards, you are asking for advice from people who have been overweight their entire life, asking people who have been u healthy their entire life how to be healthy. Go to they gym and talking to them, they will give you better advice or a nutritionist.
Wrong!! we are the people who have lost weight and have had continued success (for me personally been at goal weight for 3 years) so don't tar everyone with same brush....! We DO know what we're talking about.
Yep, 3 year maintainer here as well. But obviously we know nothing.
Snort.
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Same here- I have been on this weightloss-log everything- exercise daily for at least 30 minutes- drink my water for 23 days- scale hasn't moved even a tenth of a percent....so I had my metabolic weight test done....and I have the metabolic age of a 54 yr old woman- I am 39- I have ZERO metabolism- I have followed ALL of the jumpstart and even had bloodwork done- all clear- but the scale isn't budging.....even tried the nurse's scale where I work....she said it is "totally accurate".......and guess what same as the scale at home to the tenth I have started Plexus Slim.....to try to jumpstart.......we shall see.
Metabolism you can change - just become more active. I'm 46 but have more energy and as high a metabolism as any 20 yr old because of how active I am ...so it can be done
Keep at the calorie counting and be as accurate as possible and I promise you you'll see the results eventually.
I have no idea what Plexus Slim is to comment on that, but most of these things are a waste of money - MFP is FREE
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Same here- I have been on this weightloss-log everything- exercise daily for at least 30 minutes- drink my water for 23 days- scale hasn't moved even a tenth of a percent....so I had my metabolic weight test done....and I have the metabolic age of a 54 yr old woman- I am 39- I have ZERO metabolism- I have followed ALL of the jumpstart and even had bloodwork done- all clear- but the scale isn't budging.....even tried the nurse's scale where I work....she said it is "totally accurate".......and guess what same as the scale at home to the tenth I have started Plexus Slim.....to try to jumpstart.......we shall see.
I'm not clear on if this was a BMR/RMR test from your description, or some kind of woo. But if you do have the resting metabolic rate of someone much older then most likely you have the body composition of someone much older; IOW less muscle mass. Sounds like eating protein and lifting weights is more likely to help than drinking a product that claims to control blood sugar.
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gataman3000 wrote: »Keep in mind when you post in these boards, you are asking for advice from people who have been overweight their entire life, asking people who have been u healthy their entire life how to be healthy. Go to they gym and talking to them, they will give you better advice or a nutritionist.
You actually don't know that. I was only heavy for a couple years. I have been a fairly thin and active person for the majority of my life with the exception of the couple years were I gained weight. There are people here who have never had considerable amounts of weight to lose and just use the site for bulk/cut cycles. There are people who, like myself, had a small hiccup in life and gained weight for a short time period. There are also people who have been heavy their whole life. These boards are a giant mix of people.
Also just because people go to the gym doesn't mean they have been healthy their entire life.
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ReaderGirl3 wrote: »RunRutheeRun wrote: »gataman3000 wrote: »Keep in mind when you post in these boards, you are asking for advice from people who have been overweight their entire life, asking people who have been u healthy their entire life how to be healthy. Go to they gym and talking to them, they will give you better advice or a nutritionist.
Wrong!! we are the people who have lost weight and have had continued success (for me personally been at goal weight for 3 years) so don't tar everyone with same brush....! We DO know what we're talking about.
Yep, 3 year maintainer here as well. But obviously we know nothing.
Snort.
In reality, people who used to be fat, lost weight and kept it off are more likely the the people to be talking to rather than people who have been slim their entire lives.
I know people who have never been overweight and they come out with the most appalling nonsense about the subject "you must eat clean" "no white foods" "you can't eat after 6pm" and so on. Why? Because they have had no real impetus to objectively examine their beliefs and see if they stand up to scientific scrutiny unless they have a keen interest in health and fitness.
People who have been overweight and kept it off have much more of an incentive to know what the hell they are talking about and not only that, have also walked the walk...
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GuitarJerry wrote: »Because fit bits are inaccurate. That's why. Total pieces of crap. I gained weight using mine. They don't work.
Same. I ditched my Fitbit in October and I love not being a slave to it.2 -
I would also look at your stress level. Are you super stressed out? When I'm stressed, I don't sleep enough, don't drink enough water, and tend to have some water retention issues. 5lbs is such a small amount of weight variance that there could be so many factors in play here. I'd resort to a tape measure at this point and see if you have actually gotten smaller. Then, I would reset my loss goal to .5lbs since you are eating at a rather large deficit. Cut yourself some slack. Finally, I'd stop worrying and wait a couple of weeks before weighing in. These things usually work themselves out given time and attitude.0
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misschellechelle wrote: »RoseTheWarrior wrote: »Since you've mentioned that you weigh and log everything, I would ask how often you wor out? Are you giving yourself rest days? Also please realize that the last 5 lbs will be the hardest to lose. You'll have to be incredibly patient.
I workout 6 days a week. I lift weights, do circuit training, and a mix of HIIT and speed walking. I do take a rest day for recovery.
The calorie expenditure of weight lifting and circuit training is very low. Wearing a fitbit there doesn't help either. You lift up a weight, your HR goes up, you put the weight down, your heartrate still remains high for a while while you're just sitting around and not doing anything. A high HR doesn't equal energy burn!
And school physics: Work =mass(kg)*height(meters)*9.81ms^2. Say you deadlift 50kg half a meter that will give you 245.25J = 0.06kcal
Of course a bit more goes into the total for lowering the weight to the floor again, and for stabilizing your body during the lift, but really, the energy expenditure for weight lifting is not particularly high.
Am I the only person that this doesn't happen to? My avg HR during weight lifting sessions is usually 100-110. Stronglifts or Strong Curves, doesn't seem to matter. My HR goes up and quickly heads back to resting during my rest periods.3 -
You are not doing the right things, or not doing the right things right, or not measuring your progress correctly, or your goal is inappropriate. Weight loss is simple, but not necessarily easy, and you have to be accurate, patient and realistic.0
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quoted from synacious: "If you've read up on how inaccurate all fitness trackers are, you wouldn't have posted this.
I have read articles that have debated the inaccuracies of fitness trackers but that doesn't mean they are inaccurate for everyone. From the articles I've read and the experiences from users that I've read, it seems like the more overweight someone is, the more Fitbit overestimates their TDEE. Also, some of the articles were based on self-reported data which, in my opinion, must be taken with a grain of salt."
I was 20 bmi when I got a fitbit. I gained 10 pounds in about a month and a half using that thing. It estimated calorie burns when I was traveling in a car as if I was walking! They are cool for aome people, I felt wierd like using it, it alarm for getting up, clock everything, I guess I just didn't like having a little machine on me always like a control thingy.
Best of luck losing the extra 7 pounds. I found that when Igot down to a low normal bmi, I had to go below 1200 cals to lose those last pounds. Maintenance was lower too, so its a decision you may have to make on what you want to weigh after all is said and done.
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shadow2soul wrote: »misschellechelle wrote: »RoseTheWarrior wrote: »Since you've mentioned that you weigh and log everything, I would ask how often you wor out? Are you giving yourself rest days? Also please realize that the last 5 lbs will be the hardest to lose. You'll have to be incredibly patient.
I workout 6 days a week. I lift weights, do circuit training, and a mix of HIIT and speed walking. I do take a rest day for recovery.
The calorie expenditure of weight lifting and circuit training is very low. Wearing a fitbit there doesn't help either. You lift up a weight, your HR goes up, you put the weight down, your heartrate still remains high for a while while you're just sitting around and not doing anything. A high HR doesn't equal energy burn!
And school physics: Work =mass(kg)*height(meters)*9.81ms^2. Say you deadlift 50kg half a meter that will give you 245.25J = 0.06kcal
Of course a bit more goes into the total for lowering the weight to the floor again, and for stabilizing your body during the lift, but really, the energy expenditure for weight lifting is not particularly high.
Am I the only person that this doesn't happen to? My avg HR during weight lifting sessions is usually 100-110. Stronglifts or Strong Curves, doesn't seem to matter. My HR goes up and quickly heads back to resting during my rest periods.
Same. I never get a HR readout of higher than 110 when lifting. My estimated burns for a session are between 70 and 100 calories depending on the intensity and duration. The only exception is when I'm focusing on legs; my HR can get as high as 150 depending on what it is I'm doing and what type of set it is.1
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