We are pleased to announce that on March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor will be introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the upcoming changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

Scales aren’t moving

Betmar83
Betmar83 Posts: 30 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Okay, so I know it’s not smart to rely completely on what the scale says but I’m just trying to understand some things. For the past 3 weeks I’ve been consistently losing 1-2 lbs a week. But I’ve noticed now I gained 2 lbs last week. I know our weight fluctuates but I have a considerable amount to lose (over 150 lbs) so I feel that I should be making a little more progress. I’ve been consistent with my diet, my water intake, and have been doing strength training 3-5 days a week. What gives? I’ve posted my weekly calories and macros for this past week to show I’m staying on track (minus a really bad day on Saturday)

Replies

  • janejellyroll
    janejellyroll Posts: 25,763 Member
    Having a "really bad day" can result in temporary stalls. Even if you were perfectly on plan, a week would be too soon to worry, but given that you ate more than usual on Saturday, this is pretty normal.
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    sad4iru1q31r.jpg
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10084670/it-is-unlikely-that-you-will-lose-weight-consistently-i-e-weight-loss-is-not-linear/p1
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Why are you eating so little? If you have 150lbs to lose then you should be able to eat close to 2000 cals and still lose consistently?
  • kimny72
    kimny72 Posts: 16,011 Member
    edited April 2018
    OP, are you using a food scale? With 150 lbs to lose, eating so little should be leaving you hungry and struggling.

    Mind you, this doesn't affect the heart of your question - 1 week means nothing and even if you do everything perfect all the time, you will have weeks where your weight doesn't do what it should.

    But getting a handle on logging now will be invaluable in the future. When you get a chance, read the "Most Helpful Posts" thread pinned to the top of the forum. Regardless, hang in there and good luck!
  • steveko89
    steveko89 Posts: 2,223 Member
    TavistockToad wrote: »
    Why are you eating so little? If you have 150lbs to lose then you should be able to eat close to 2000 cals and still lose consistently?

    That was my thought as well. Are you certain your logging is complete and accurate? (aka, religiously using your food scale).

    That said, Jane makes a good point about retaining water from your Saturday excursion and the chart and link posted by QuickSylver are good reads. I've seen +4lb scale jumps from Saturday to Sunday each of the last two weeks (went out for my wife's birthday last week and had a friend's bachelor party this weekend). It might take a few days to dissipate.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    edited April 2018
    I believe that you are just retaining excess water weight from the weekend.

    A couple of things: If you are going have an indulgent day, that is perfectly fine, consider eating at maintenance (which means you lose a little slower) or plan for it perhaps by eating a little less on days leading up to your event so that that you stay with in your weekly calorie goal.

    From the looks of your diary I would invest in a food scale. Also be careful to not eat back too many of your fitbit calories back this part is included in explanation in the graph above. You have been fairly consistent with your food intake, although not weighing food intake just know as you lose weight it may/will become important to incorporate weighing food.
  • Betmar83
    Betmar83 Posts: 30 Member
    Thanks for the replies. I DO have a food scale and I use it religiously. As far as my daily caloric intake, I’m just going by what the MFP app set for me... I’m actually not struggling as far as feeling hungry or anything.
  • RoxieDawn
    RoxieDawn Posts: 15,488 Member
    edited April 2018
    Betmar83 wrote: »
    Thanks for the replies. I DO have a food scale and I use it religiously. As far as my daily caloric intake, I’m just going by what the MFP app set for me... I’m actually not struggling as far as feeling hungry or anything.

    Just a quick note, I saw a few things logged in ounces, cups, tablespoons. I am not saying these are not weighed, but the entries you chose are not weighed entries i.e fruit = 'banana medium, etc etc.

    The added advice I gave were things for you watch for as you start losing weight and perhaps you begin to have issues not losing at the rate of loss you are expecting.
  • Jthanmyfitnesspal
    Jthanmyfitnesspal Posts: 3,536 Member
    You should see my fluctuations! Sometimes, I think I'm totally screwed (up 4 lbs) and a few days later, I'm back. It just requires staying the course.

    Working the macros can also help control appetite. Yep, by that I mean limiting those nasty carbs. I mean, you CAN lose weight while having cookies every night, but it will just leave you WANTING MORE COOKIES! (And I really like cookies...)

    Wishing you strong resolve!
This discussion has been closed.

Categories