Frustrated

jbradyho

Been trying to build muscle and gain weight by increasing my calorie intake and exercising. Ive increased my calorie intake to 2600...the app tells me to eat 2200 based on a goal of gaining 1lb per week based on my starting weight/height and activity. Ive actually been doing 2600 calories per day and adjusting for calories burned through workouts. Exercises include squats, lunges, abs and arms with limited cardio. I've recently added weights to my exercise routine. I gained 5 lbs in 2.5 weeks and this last week I've lost 2.5 lbs. Wth?!. Any body else experience this type of struggle? Suggestions and words of encouragement are welcome!

pinggolfer96

Eat more if you're not gaining.
Give it time
Don't always trust MFP calorie goals
Get on a proven weightlifting program
1lb a week is a lot.
Weight loss and gain can easily be water
Track the mirror and not the scale always
Track your lifts and progress

StealthHealth

Tip top advice from @pinggolfer96

I'd add - the cardio that you are doing can hinder weight gain (more exercise - especially cardio = more cals out). Whilst cardio is good for health in your case I wold consider dropping it until you hit your weight/muscle goal and then re-introduce.

HamsterManV2

First off, you didn't 'really' gain 5lbs in 2.5 weeks... weight fluctuates. The gains and losses are not linear. Averaging it out, you gained 2.5lbs in 3 weeks, which is basically +1lb per week. Good job, keep it up.

See below as an example of how weight fluctuates. The TREND should be downward. 3 weeks is not nearly enough time, just keep at it.