need help understanding new measurements/data

batgirl_273

I was going to a trainer occasionally for the last 2 months for strength training while working on my own using MFP and doing cardio for the last 4 months. I had my trainer take my measurements/body fat in May, then again this month, and the numbers he gave me show there's obviously loss happening but I'm not seeing it and don't understand why it's barely moving in some areas.

I'm down 42 lbs (257-215). My problem area is my stomach and it just doesn't seem to be shrinking at all. When he took them in May, it read 111 (inches? cm?) and last week it was 103.5. Hips were 126 and now 119. The biggest differences have been in my legs and arms.

My body fat has only dropped from 41.3% to 39.2%.. what???? Seems like for 42 lbs it should be lower. Anyways, is it true that weight from the stomach comes off last? Will this always be the biggest area for me until I get down closer to my goal (another 50/60 lbs)?

AliceDark

How did your trainer measure your body fat? Body fat testing is incredibly unreliable, so I'm not sure I would even bother with it unless you got a Dexa scan or a dunk test.

Unfortunately, our bodies pull fat from wherever they want to; there's no way to tell whether your stomach will continue to be a problem area or if your body will suddenly start pulling fat from there. The only thing you can do is to carry on doing what you're doing and be patient. Outside of liposuction, there's no way you can spot-reduce fat.

jennybearlv

I'm discovering fat does not come off places in the same order it came on. It just sorta happens how it happens. I'm losing more inches off my hips and bust than my waist, though I swear my stomach was the last place I put on weight. Nothing we can do but be patient.

middlehaitch

Your waist has gone from 43.7 to 40.7 inches. That is good- down 3 inches.
You have also lost a good amount of weight, but still have a way to go. Be patient, it takes time for the body to change.
Some of us are apple shaped and abdominal fat is the last to go, there are tons of posts from people who lose it last. There are also tons of people posting that they can't lose the weight in their hips and thighs- pear shaped.

Nearly everyone has a problem spot, you just have to work with it. When you get down to your goal your waist will be a lot smaller- it just takes time.

If you don't like you numbers in cm ask for them in inches, or get a dressmakers tape measure and measure yourself.
Oh and make sure you take monthly progress pics. Sometimes we can't see it in the mirror, but comparing pics you will see the more subtle changes.

Cheers, h.