Why is my weight loss unsuccessful

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  • SLLRunner
    SLLRunner Posts: 12,942 Member
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    My friend actually lost when she increased her calorie intake. Not drastically.

    Your body may be in starvation mode from too few calories. That doesn't sound like 200 calories to me. Assuming you're making something like a 4 eggwhite omlette (80 calories), 5 oz of veggies like brocoli and cauliflower (which have...50 calories per cup or something, if even), and 6 oz of chicken breast throughout the day (about 250 calories), it sounds like you're not getting enough.

    I have heard you need to eat your weight x 10 to get even the maintenance amount of calories you need to function. That seems like a place to start.

    If it appears your lose weight when increasing calories it's either (1) you're eating less than you burn but you just don't realize it or (2) natural weight fluctuation.

    Starvation mode is a myth as to us ordinary dieters.

    Eating 10X your weight to get to maintenance is silly. My weight fluctuates between 140 and 145 lbs, so by your theory my maintenance would be between 1400 and 1450 calories. Just for your information, I would lose big time on that because my maintenance without exercise is approximately 1930 calories. ;)
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
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    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.
  • crooked_left_hook
    crooked_left_hook Posts: 364 Member
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    CSARdiver wrote: »
    KT6377 wrote: »
    KT6377 wrote: »
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    KT6377 wrote: »
    I find it ironic that a bunch of people on a thread for weight loss advice and support, who are all here because they at some point needed to lose weight, think that they are all experts on weight loss. You clearly DO NOT have all the answers.

    Everyone's body and metabolism is different. The point you are at in your life also contributes to how you lose weight as much as what you eat, when you eat, how you cook it, how you weight it, and how you log it. For example, it took me 10 weeks to lose 25lbs when I was age 34, and it's taken me 8 weeks to lose 6 at age 39 and I am using the same method, similar foods, and same level of activity. My sister lost 61lbs over 6 months eating the same number of calories, and similar foods as I do. The variable here: my thyroid function has been declining but isn't low enough yet for corrective medication.

    So, unless someone wants to step up and identify themselves as a board certified endocrinologist, everyone's point of view and advice is antecdotal at best.

    Seems to be a case of projection. Few if any claim to have all the answers, but the more respected posters do question all the answers rather than answer all the questions. Personally I prefer those who stand behind the veracity of their statements than rely on letters behind one's name.

    Individual metabolism is strikingly similar - the only standout variable being lean muscle mass. Age related change is solely linked to decreased muscle mass. Even highly trained specialists make poor analysts of their own behavior due to the inherent bias involved. Thyroid function carries ~5% impact on REE/BMR. This is a variable you self identified contradictory to the data. What was the result of your full thyroid panel?

    I've had 4 thyroid panels over the last three years. However, if your not a board certified endocrinologist my sharing those numbers with you does me zero good. I prefer to stick with the advise of professionals with the letters behind their names when it comes to matters of my health. If I want a google based medical diagnosis I'm fully capable of doing that myself.

    My friend has hypothyroid. has been able to lose weight. another has no thyroid, she's thin as a rail. thyroid problems don't account for massive weight gain the same way PCOS doesn't. 10-15 lbs, yes but above that is attributed to just eating too many calories.
    KT6377 wrote: »
    CSARdiver wrote: »
    KT6377 wrote: »
    I find it ironic that a bunch of people on a thread for weight loss advice and support, who are all here because they at some point needed to lose weight, think that they are all experts on weight loss. You clearly DO NOT have all the answers.

    Everyone's body and metabolism is different. The point you are at in your life also contributes to how you lose weight as much as what you eat, when you eat, how you cook it, how you weight it, and how you log it. For example, it took me 10 weeks to lose 25lbs when I was age 34, and it's taken me 8 weeks to lose 6 at age 39 and I am using the same method, similar foods, and same level of activity. My sister lost 61lbs over 6 months eating the same number of calories, and similar foods as I do. The variable here: my thyroid function has been declining but isn't low enough yet for corrective medication.

    So, unless someone wants to step up and identify themselves as a board certified endocrinologist, everyone's point of view and advice is antecdotal at best.

    Seems to be a case of projection. Few if any claim to have all the answers, but the more respected posters do question all the answers rather than answer all the questions. Personally I prefer those who stand behind the veracity of their statements than rely on letters behind one's name.

    Individual metabolism is strikingly similar - the only standout variable being lean muscle mass. Age related change is solely linked to decreased muscle mass. Even highly trained specialists make poor analysts of their own behavior due to the inherent bias involved. Thyroid function carries ~5% impact on REE/BMR. This is a variable you self identified contradictory to the data. What was the result of your full thyroid panel?

    I've had 4 thyroid panels over the last three years. However, if your not a board certified endocrinologist my sharing those numbers with you does me zero good. I prefer to stick with the advise of professionals with the letters behind their names when it comes to matters of my health. If I want a google based medical diagnosis I'm fully capable of doing that myself.

    My friend has hypothyroid. has been able to lose weight. another has no thyroid, she's thin as a rail. thyroid problems don't account for massive weight gain the same way PCOS doesn't. 10-15 lbs, yes but above that is attributed to just eating too many calories.

    Again, every body is different. My step-mother also doesn't have a thyroid but she does have issues losing weight. She is following the exact same diet that my father follows, as prescribed by his endocrinologist and under the supervision of a certified nutritionist, which is also the same diet my father lost 120lbs on. Just because YOU didn't experience something does not mean that it isn't someone else's reality. I've yet to hear an actual expert weigh in on the topic and I'm still only hearing anecdotal experiences presented as facts.

    This is a very sharp double edged sword you wield. Please re-read your post and take your own advice.

    Please reread my post (actually, reread all my posts) and note that I NEVER claimed to be an expert. My advice and experience is also anecdotal.

    Oh wait, do I hear an actual expert? Nope, that's just crickets...

    ...

    ....
  • Colorscheme
    Colorscheme Posts: 1,179 Member
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    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.

    Maybe your fitbit is overestimating calories burned. how can you have a metabolic disorder but have all good blood work?
  • gscottbrown
    gscottbrown Posts: 3 Member
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    I'm 5', 279 pounds , and I would like to lose 80 pounds.. I believe my dairy is open

    I've lost about 30 pounds doing the same thing you have stated, eating clean and exercising. I'll agree, two weeks is not a long time to see results. A 19 year old 5 foot 279 pound female has a BMR of around 2,000 calories a day. If you changed to an eating clean diet and are only eating 1,000 calories and exercising, there is no logical reason why you should not be losing weight, unless you have a monthly recurring issue right now.

    My advice
    1. Drink water.
    2. Make sure you are logging your food and exercise as accurately as possible, if you are not sure on the exact calorie count, estimate a little high when you are counting.
    3. Eating a little more would be a good thing.
    4. Weigh yourself on a regular basis at the same time of the day: weekly, daily or even several times a day (some people are crazy like that).
    5. If you feel you are logging your food correctly and exercising, I would suggest seeing a doctor.
    6. Drink more water.

    Just keep up the good work and the pounds will come off. The hard part is getting started and developing strong habits.

    Two books I like

    Eat Clean Diet http://toscareno.com/

    Blood Sugar Solution http://www.bloodsugarsolution.com/bss/launch/
  • cerise_noir
    cerise_noir Posts: 5,468 Member
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    KT6377 wrote: »
    KT6377 wrote: »
    @misskarne those are the "recommended serving size. So if it says 16 crackers for 160 cals, then I'll count out 16 crackers, lol 1pkg is the packet my protein powder comes in (one packet per use) and the granola bars come 2 in a pack "2 bar"

    Theoretically you should be losing weight eating 1200 calories. Based on your weight, calorie intake, and the descriptions of some of the foods you are eating there are likely a few things going on. 1. You are not eating enough calories per day, 2. The calories you are eating are not nutritionally dense, 3. You may be inaccurately weighing some things, 4. You most likely are not tracking every bite that goes in your mouth.

    For perspective, I am 137 lbs and 5'6", which is a healthy weight for my height and makes losing weight fairly difficult. I've got 26.5% body fat so I'm clearly NOT an athlete ;) I eat 1250-1500 calories per day and I do moderate exercise for about 1 hour 3x a week. I actually measure more like you do, so I don't weigh every little thing perfectly and I rely quite a bit on containers with predetermined measurements quite a bit but I track EVERYTHING (including cough drops). I'm losing between 0.5 and 1.5 lbs a week. I eat 6 times a day (3 meals and 3 snacks). I cook everything, 90% of what I eat or use to cook is whole, fresh foods (fruits, veggies, meat, etc) and I try and use minimal processed foods (crackers, granola bars). Protein shakes should be used as a supliment to boost protein in addition to a well rounded diet, not as a meal replacement. Food you can chew is always best!

    I have worked with a nutrition coach, which is helpful for accountability. Weight watchers also works for me. You're welcome to add me as a friend so you can take a look at my diary and see what kind of things I'm eating and what a typical day looks like.



    @KT6377 If she should be losing on 1200 and her diaries are looking like shes eating between 800-900, give or take logging errors.. im confused by your comment of "you're not eating enough calories per day"...

    When you drop your carbs too low, which will happen on an extremely low calorie diet, you do go into a form of 'starvation mode' because your leptin hormone levels drop which signals your body to hold onto its fat. This is medically documented and the science behind carb cycling diets. However, this is likely not the case based on her current weight and is more likely a problem with tracking and quality of food.

    No, not even close. Have you ever heard of LCHF? Macros have no bearing when it comes to weight loss. I've been low carb, moderate carb, high protein, moderate protein, and equal across the macro board. If I keep the same deficit, I lose the same amount of weight regardless of macro split. Also, starvation mode does not work in the way you state. If it did, no one would die from starvation.

    No one ever maintained fat or even gained fat in a deficit.

    I do agree that this could be a logging issue.
  • prattiger65
    prattiger65 Posts: 1,657 Member
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    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.

    First let me say, I acknowledge your struggle. I cant understand it since I don't have it, but I know it cant be an easy thing. But I do have a couple of thoughts. First, your Fitbit cannot account for your metabolic disorder, it just uses a generic algorithm based on age/gender/height and weight. It may say 2500 when, because of your disorder, you are only expending 1800 for instance (completely made up numbers). I would suggest paying for a real study of your BMR by a doctor to give you a real starting point. The reality is still that a 3500 calorie deficit = @ 1 pound of loss regardless. You condition may very well cause you to burn fewer calories than others, I believe the science is sound on that point. I also believe that because of a lower BMR that one has to be very careful to keep sufficiently nourished at a reduced calorie intake. I also concede that for some their metabolic rate is low enough as to almost make impossible weight loss because the calorie intake would have to be so low as to be dangerously unhealthy. But that is a very small percentage of people. In the end, it is still CICO albeit when medical issues are present it makes it harder to eat enough to stay healthy and lose.
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    edited February 2017
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    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.

    Maybe your fitbit is overestimating calories burned. how can you have a metabolic disorder but have all good blood work?

    I have FH and its considered a metabolic disorder/disease. the only thing that was high was my cholesterol.but its at a normal number with meds and a low fat diet.also I have had my fitbit for awhile. I get in over 13000 steps most days. and even if my fitbit were wrong eating less I should have lost weight.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,871 Member
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    SLLRunner wrote: »
    My friend actually lost when she increased her calorie intake. Not drastically.

    Your body may be in starvation mode from too few calories. That doesn't sound like 200 calories to me. Assuming you're making something like a 4 eggwhite omlette (80 calories), 5 oz of veggies like brocoli and cauliflower (which have...50 calories per cup or something, if even), and 6 oz of chicken breast throughout the day (about 250 calories), it sounds like you're not getting enough.

    I have heard you need to eat your weight x 10 to get even the maintenance amount of calories you need to function. That seems like a place to start.

    If it appears your lose weight when increasing calories it's either (1) you're eating less than you burn but you just don't realize it or (2) natural weight fluctuation.

    Starvation mode is a myth as to us ordinary dieters.

    Eating 10X your weight to get to maintenance is silly. My weight fluctuates between 140 and 145 lbs, so by your theory my maintenance would be between 1400 and 1450 calories. Just for your information, I would lose big time on that because my maintenance without exercise is approximately 1930 calories. ;)

    This happens often when you increase calories due to an increase in energy...when I went to maintenance, by my data and doing the math, it looked like it would be around 2,400 calories and I was all kinds of sad. As I upped calories though, I had more energy...I found that my training improved and I could go harder/longer...I found myself more fidgety...had a hard time sitting still for t.v. shows, movies, sporting events, etc...

    My weight loss had slowed to a trickle when I went to maintenance and then as I upped my calories it picked back up again and I lost a few more pounds...I'm pretty sure it was due to the increase in movement that coincided with an increase in calories...I leveled off and put on a few pounds of glycogen weight when I got to around 3,000 calories.
  • Colorscheme
    Colorscheme Posts: 1,179 Member
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    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.

    Maybe your fitbit is overestimating calories burned. how can you have a metabolic disorder but have all good blood work?

    I have FH and its considered a metabolic disorder/disease. the only thing that was high was my cholesterol.but its at a normal number with meds and a low fat diet.also I have had my fitbit for awhile. I get in over 13000 steps most days. and even if my fitbit were wrong eating less I should have lost weight.

    Get a BMR/metabolic test done and see what it says. This way you'll know how much you need to eat. My bf's co worker has this and had to start on statins and he's thin but I guess everyone is different. Your fitbit doesn't take medical conditions into account.
  • crooked_left_hook
    crooked_left_hook Posts: 364 Member
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    KT6377 wrote: »
    KT6377 wrote: »
    @misskarne those are the "recommended serving size. So if it says 16 crackers for 160 cals, then I'll count out 16 crackers, lol 1pkg is the packet my protein powder comes in (one packet per use) and the granola bars come 2 in a pack "2 bar"

    Theoretically you should be losing weight eating 1200 calories. Based on your weight, calorie intake, and the descriptions of some of the foods you are eating there are likely a few things going on. 1. You are not eating enough calories per day, 2. The calories you are eating are not nutritionally dense, 3. You may be inaccurately weighing some things, 4. You most likely are not tracking every bite that goes in your mouth.

    For perspective, I am 137 lbs and 5'6", which is a healthy weight for my height and makes losing weight fairly difficult. I've got 26.5% body fat so I'm clearly NOT an athlete ;) I eat 1250-1500 calories per day and I do moderate exercise for about 1 hour 3x a week. I actually measure more like you do, so I don't weigh every little thing perfectly and I rely quite a bit on containers with predetermined measurements quite a bit but I track EVERYTHING (including cough drops). I'm losing between 0.5 and 1.5 lbs a week. I eat 6 times a day (3 meals and 3 snacks). I cook everything, 90% of what I eat or use to cook is whole, fresh foods (fruits, veggies, meat, etc) and I try and use minimal processed foods (crackers, granola bars). Protein shakes should be used as a supliment to boost protein in addition to a well rounded diet, not as a meal replacement. Food you can chew is always best!

    I have worked with a nutrition coach, which is helpful for accountability. Weight watchers also works for me. You're welcome to add me as a friend so you can take a look at my diary and see what kind of things I'm eating and what a typical day looks like.



    @KT6377 If she should be losing on 1200 and her diaries are looking like shes eating between 800-900, give or take logging errors.. im confused by your comment of "you're not eating enough calories per day"...

    When you drop your carbs too low, which will happen on an extremely low calorie diet, you do go into a form of 'starvation mode' because your leptin hormone levels drop which signals your body to hold onto its fat. This is medically documented and the science behind carb cycling diets. However, this is likely not the case based on her current weight and is more likely a problem with tracking and quality of food.

    No, not even close. Have you ever heard of LCHF? Macros have no bearing when it comes to weight loss. I've been low carb, moderate carb, high protein, moderate protein, and equal across the macro board. If I keep the same deficit, I lose the same amount of weight regardless of macro split. Also, starvation mode does not work in the way you state. If it did, no one would die from starvation.

    No one ever maintained fat or even gained fat in a deficit.

    I do agree that this could be a logging issue.

    1. Your carbs and all your macros would be low if you are not eating enough calories. It's math.

    2. 'Starvation mode' isn't really about starving. But we are beyond this point now. Still waiting for an actual expert...

    3. Yes, a deficit is a deficit. You can consume nothing but M&M's and Bud Light and still lose weight as long as there is a deficit.

    4. Most weight loss issues are due to inaccurate logging unless there is another medical reason. Cue the armchair experts...

  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    Options
    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.

    Maybe your fitbit is overestimating calories burned. how can you have a metabolic disorder but have all good blood work?

    I have FH and its considered a metabolic disorder/disease. the only thing that was high was my cholesterol.but its at a normal number with meds and a low fat diet.also I have had my fitbit for awhile. I get in over 13000 steps most days. and even if my fitbit were wrong eating less I should have lost weight.

    Get a BMR/metabolic test done and see what it says. This way you'll know how much you need to eat. My bf's co worker has this and had to start on statins and he's thin but I guess everyone is different. Your fitbit doesn't take medical conditions into account.

    I get that fitbit doesnt take that into consideration. but even before I got the fitbit things were the same slower than normal weight loss. as for getting a BMR/metabolic test done. I cant afford it and Im sure my insurance doesnt cover it. there are 2 in my state they are over 200 miles one way,the other one is 100 miles one way. wouldnt you think though even without my fitbit I would have lost weight eating less than 1500? anything less than that and I have NO energy,my workouts suffer and Im lethargic.Im eating 1712 now and I am feeling better, and have more energy. before I was literally dragging my *kitten* all day and wanted to nap. since I upped my calories I feel better all around
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    Options
    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.

    Maybe your fitbit is overestimating calories burned. how can you have a metabolic disorder but have all good blood work?
    oh and I wanted to add that I lose fat but the scale doesnt go down hardly ever. lol
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    Options
    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.

    First let me say, I acknowledge your struggle. I cant understand it since I don't have it, but I know it cant be an easy thing. But I do have a couple of thoughts. First, your Fitbit cannot account for your metabolic disorder, it just uses a generic algorithm based on age/gender/height and weight. It may say 2500 when, because of your disorder, you are only expending 1800 for instance (completely made up numbers). I would suggest paying for a real study of your BMR by a doctor to give you a real starting point. The reality is still that a 3500 calorie deficit = @ 1 pound of loss regardless. You condition may very well cause you to burn fewer calories than others, I believe the science is sound on that point. I also believe that because of a lower BMR that one has to be very careful to keep sufficiently nourished at a reduced calorie intake. I also concede that for some their metabolic rate is low enough as to almost make impossible weight loss because the calorie intake would have to be so low as to be dangerously unhealthy. But that is a very small percentage of people. In the end, it is still CICO albeit when medical issues are present it makes it harder to eat enough to stay healthy and lose.

    oh Im not saying CICO doesnt work. I know it does. for me its just very very slow. even before I got my fitbit I wasnt losing fast. I was using a HRM with the strap for my cardio and counting half those calories and eating less than I am now. it was still low.as for getting a study of my BMR, I would have to go 100-200+ miles one way to get one done and I doubt my insurance would cover it,I cant afford it out of pocket which sucks.I even tried eating 1500 or less and not eating back my exercise calories and still weight loss was slow.The odd thing back in 2003 I broke my leg and was moving less and eating less and lost weight without trying. I was never overweight until about 2002,I was always active before that. then I became less active.But now its a real struggle and like I said up post eating less than 1500 and I have no energy,lethargic and my workouts suffer because I cant get through them.I would hope my BMR is not low enough to eat very low calories as I would be sleeping all the time and nothing would get done if I ate so little calories.
  • Colorscheme
    Colorscheme Posts: 1,179 Member
    edited February 2017
    Options
    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.

    Maybe your fitbit is overestimating calories burned. how can you have a metabolic disorder but have all good blood work?

    I have FH and its considered a metabolic disorder/disease. the only thing that was high was my cholesterol.but its at a normal number with meds and a low fat diet.also I have had my fitbit for awhile. I get in over 13000 steps most days. and even if my fitbit were wrong eating less I should have lost weight.

    Get a BMR/metabolic test done and see what it says. This way you'll know how much you need to eat. My bf's co worker has this and had to start on statins and he's thin but I guess everyone is different. Your fitbit doesn't take medical conditions into account.

    I get that fitbit doesnt take that into consideration. but even before I got the fitbit things were the same slower than normal weight loss. as for getting a BMR/metabolic test done. I cant afford it and Im sure my insurance doesnt cover it. there are 2 in my state they are over 200 miles one way,the other one is 100 miles one way. wouldnt you think though even without my fitbit I would have lost weight eating less than 1500? anything less than that and I have NO energy,my workouts suffer and Im lethargic.Im eating 1712 now and I am feeling better, and have more energy. before I was literally dragging my *kitten* all day and wanted to nap. since I upped my calories I feel better all around

    the test isn't that expensive, about 60-70 bucks. could be less depending on where you live.
  • CharlieBeansmomTracey
    CharlieBeansmomTracey Posts: 7,682 Member
    Options
    Here is a fact for you. Everyone who eats @ 3500 calories less than they expend loses about a pound of weight. If you have a metabolic issue that causes you to burn fewer calories, you will necessarily need to eat fewer calories to lose weight. None of that other fluff matters IN TERMS OF WEIGHT LOSS. This is 9th grade biology level science, it doesn't take a Phd.

    I know its all about CICO but take me for example,I have a metabolic disorder. I have been on mfp almost 3 years,I have weighed everything over the last 2 years.in the last year it took me 6+ months to lose 1.2 lbs. I even dropped my calories and everything,nothing happened. (its taken me almost 5 years to lose a little over 42lbs).I recently this winter decided to stick with maintenance, mfp gave me something like 1800+ calories, (my fitbit tells me I burn about 2500 on a good day but its always over 2200). Im eating 1712 calories(which is less than mfp gave me) and from jan 27th to feb 2nd I lost 1.8 lbs(which could have been water weight as I retain water longer than the average person even when I cut sodium down).

    before(that 6 month stint) I wasnt losing anything(I was netting around 1400+ calories during this time though too), in maintenance I lost, although the first month or so I maintained my weight. now my weight is steady. I know its only been a little over a week. But my body is funny. when I had it set to lose .5lb a week,I was only losing .5lb a month if that, no jokes. so for me weight loss is really really slow and all my blood panels come back great. no thyroid issues, no hormone issues,etc. so for me to lose 1lb eating 500 less than my TDEE per day doesnt result in 1lb a week and most of the time its not even 1lb a month.

    I at one point was eating less than 1500 calories(again I weigh everything on a scale) and still was not losing anything and I was burning a lot of calories,even working out 2 times a day.I would eat back a little less than half of my exercise calories and nothing was happening. I still have a little over 25lbs to lose.Im waiting until it gets warm again and then I will see where Im at. I have never lost at the rate I had it set to.even lowering my calories that mfp gave me.This is the first time I have really tried to lose weight too. I have never been on any diet or weight loss plan in the past. so for me its slower than it should be,I dont know why There is really no reason why it should be slower than normal but it is.I have tried everything and nothing works the way it should for me. I just have to keep going and be patient.

    Maybe your fitbit is overestimating calories burned. how can you have a metabolic disorder but have all good blood work?

    I have FH and its considered a metabolic disorder/disease. the only thing that was high was my cholesterol.but its at a normal number with meds and a low fat diet.also I have had my fitbit for awhile. I get in over 13000 steps most days. and even if my fitbit were wrong eating less I should have lost weight.

    Get a BMR/metabolic test done and see what it says. This way you'll know how much you need to eat. My bf's co worker has this and had to start on statins and he's thin but I guess everyone is different. Your fitbit doesn't take medical conditions into account.

    I get that fitbit doesnt take that into consideration. but even before I got the fitbit things were the same slower than normal weight loss. as for getting a BMR/metabolic test done. I cant afford it and Im sure my insurance doesnt cover it. there are 2 in my state they are over 200 miles one way,the other one is 100 miles one way. wouldnt you think though even without my fitbit I would have lost weight eating less than 1500? anything less than that and I have NO energy,my workouts suffer and Im lethargic.Im eating 1712 now and I am feeling better, and have more energy. before I was literally dragging my *kitten* all day and wanted to nap. since I upped my calories I feel better all around

    the test isn't that expensive, about $100. could be less depending on where you live.


    even $100 is more than I can afford to be honest. plus counting gas to get there.where I live it would probably be more since Im in BFE(wv to be exact).I could probably save up but it would take me a few months.I will talk to my daughters endo and see if she knows of anywhere closer and what it may cost though.she wants to test her to see if she has FH or not as well. she has a tough time losing weight too,they thought she had a thyroid disorder,IR or something like that and all her tests from the last year and a half have came back normal too.I just know that eating too little for me would not be idea,I know I would have to to lose weight but for me its not worth being tired and having no energy to get anything done.