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!
Frustrated with eating 1200 a day and not losing weight
Replies
-
Is amazing to see all explanations, and maybe they are all valid. Thanks for the explanations. I know most of you really think that I am a dreamer.
But I have really improved my muscles mass, muscles have appeared where there use to be just skin. On my shoulder I just had a bone and skin. No friend would dare to take a nap on my shoulder, too hard. Now, still the bone is there, of course,but no that evident as before. “Something” is between the skin and the bone. I call the something , muscle. I didn’t have fatty arms. I could perfectly see my biceps. They not only look bigger, but measure bigger now. Before I used to sit for hours on a hard chair without any problem.
If someone can explain why my glutes have lifted and they are rounder, and why I kind of feel weird and uncomfortable when I sit down for a long time on the same chair due to actually not being used to have so much “meat”down there, 😁Then I will be convinced that I have not improved my muscle mass.
How can one argue against your subjective feelings?
I get that you *feel* you have gained muscle. Nobody denies that resistance training can create visual differences for people in a calorie deficit. But your initial argument was that OP was potentially gaining weight due to muscle. It's a big leap from visual differences and even "feeling" different in your own skin to actually gaining weight. That's what people are trying to communicate to you.
Nobody is arguing that you don't feel "weird" when you sit down. You're confusing one thing with another thing.13 -
By the way, scales might not be perfect, but some can actually give u an idea of what you are doing. I have checked my weight and muscle mass daily, and it consistently gave me the same number for days, then would be a difference of +0.02% of muscle.keep the same for few days. Consistently same numbers, then a little increase +0.01... like this checking every single day for 4 months, until I arrived to +3%. The same happened with the fat mass. Always showing same numbers, and then a little decrease-0.04, -0.03..... Is my scale deceiving me consistently? Every day? Maybe the numbers are not totally accurate. It could be. Maybe if I checked with a better tool I would be surprised and actually lost more fat than I thought 😂 and gained more muscle too....14
-
By the way, scales might not be perfect, but some can actually give u an idea of what you are doing. I have checked my weight and muscle mass daily, and it consistently gave me the same number for days, then would be a difference of +0.02% of muscle.keep the same for few days. Consistently same numbers, then a little increase +0.01... like this checking every single day for 4 months, until I arrived to +3%. The same happened with the fat mass. Always showing same numbers, and then a little decrease-0.04, -0.03..... Is my scale deceiving me consistently? Every day? Maybe the numbers are not totally accurate. It could be. Maybe if I checked with a better tool I would be surprised and actually lost more fat than I thought 😂 and gained more muscle too....
Yes, scales are a notoriously inaccurate way to measure body composition.16 -
By the way, scales might not be perfect, but some can actually give u an idea of what you are doing. I have checked my weight and muscle mass daily, and it consistently gave me the same number for days, then would be a difference of +0.02% of muscle.keep the same for few days. Consistently same numbers, then a little increase +0.01... like this checking every single day for 4 months, until I arrived to +3%. The same happened with the fat mass. Always showing same numbers, and then a little decrease-0.04, -0.03..... Is my scale deceiving me consistently? Every day? Maybe the numbers are not totally accurate. It could be. Maybe if I checked with a better tool I would be surprised and actually lost more fat than I thought 😂 and gained more muscle too....
BIA devices are inaccurate. They can establish a trend over a long period, but minor differences are likely just part of the errors. You may have gained muscle, we have no way to know; it's possible for people new to exercise to gain a small amount of muscle in a calorie deficit . . . but there's ample research suggesting you shouldn't trust a BIA scale's estimate of it. Day to day, the "measurement" can be high or low due to this type of error (they tend to be confused by hydration, for example).
Even ignoring the measurement reliability question: If your fat mass decreases on a percentage basis, and your muscle mass increases on a percentage basis, that isn't necessarily saying your muscle mass has increased. You have to use arithmetic. If I start at 130 pounds and 25% muscle, that's 32.5 pounds of muscle. For the purposes of discussion, let's assume I hold onto every bit of that muscle while losing 5 pounds, so I now weigh 125 and still have 32.5 pounds of muscle, which is 26% muscle. In this example, I didn't gain any muscle at all, but the percentage went up.
In practice, with weight declining, (questionably estimated) muscle increasing on a percentage basis, and (questionably accurate) fat also decreasing on a percentage basis, one has to do the arithmetic to figure out whether muscle gain/loss has happened or not, even based on those questionable numbers.
If you checked with a better tool (more accurate tests are expensive) you'd need to go back in time to get your baseline measurement. But it doesn't really matter. Exercise generally, and strength training specifically, is worth doing.
Still, someone, especially a woman, is not going to gain muscle so fast that it outpaces any reasonably satisfying rate of fat/weight loss.
Gain a little muscle, while strength training, as a new lifter, even in a calorie deficit? Perhaps. Retain as much muscle as possible alongside losing fat, with strength training? Sure. Get a lot stronger pretty quickly when just starting out with strength training? Sure. Even look a bit better fairly quickly? That can happen. Gain enough muscle to cover up meaningful fat loss, in a short time, at a calorie deficit? I wish.
15 -
Wow, we have a dictator here. I said maybe gained muscle. And you should do research. There are many cases of people, including me , that actually gained muscle on deficit. Specially when they were not used to exercise.
Anyway, suggesting someone to check their muscle mass meanwhile losing weight is a very basic suggestion and beneficial . It’s the only way to actually make sure that you are not losing weight because you are losing muscle instead of fat. What’s the point of losing weight when you lose it from muscles that actually are the ones that help you to keep fit.Is amazing to see all explanations, and maybe they are all valid. Thanks for the explanations. I know most of you really think that I am a dreamer.
But I have really improved my muscles mass, muscles have appeared where there use to be just skin. On my shoulder I just had a bone and skin. No friend would dare to take a nap on my shoulder, too hard. Now, still the bone is there, of course,but no that evident as before. “Something” is between the skin and the bone. I call the something , muscle. I didn’t have fatty arms. I could perfectly see my biceps. They not only look bigger, but measure bigger now. Before I used to sit for hours on a hard chair without any problem.
If someone can explain why my glutes have lifted and they are rounder, and why I kind of feel weird and uncomfortable when I sit down for a long time on the same chair due to actually not being used to have so much “meat”down there, 😁Then I will be convinced that I have not improved my muscle mass.
My concern about testing for body fat/lean mass is OP is struggling to afford work clothes that fit. Paying for a dexa scan or bod pod or hydro test is probably not possible with her current budget (scales you can buy and have at home are really inaccurate for gauging body fat/lean mass). Some folks do experience "newbie gains" (gaining muscle while in a deficit). However, those folks are generally not women and generally not women who are not engaged in a progressive lifting program.
You can build strength (improve muscle function) without gaining additional muscle mass. And when you lose body fat, you can see the muscles you have. You don't have more muscles, you're just getting a better look at them.
For me, I just want to encourage OP to stay her course. Taking her down the road of thinking increased muscle mass is the reason for scale frustrations won't help her and may even derail her in the long run.6 -
RelCanonical wrote: »
I thought you just had really great hair.4 -
Even ignoring the measurement reliability question: If your fat mass decreases on a percentage basis, and your muscle mass increases on a percentage basis, that isn't necessarily saying your muscle mass has increased. You have to use arithmetic. If I start at 130 pounds and 25% muscle, that's 32.5 pounds of muscle. For the purposes of discussion, let's assume I hold onto every bit of that muscle while losing 5 pounds, so I now weigh 125 and still have 32.5 pounds of muscle, which is 26% muscle. In this example, I didn't gain any muscle at all, but the percentage went up.
In practice, with weight declining, (questionably estimated) muscle increasing on a percentage basis, and (questionably accurate) fat also decreasing on a percentage basis, one has to do the arithmetic to figure out whether muscle gain/loss has happened or not, even based on those questionable numbers.
If you checked with a better tool (more accurate tests are expensive) you'd need to go back in time to get your baseline measurement. But it doesn't really matter. Exercise generally, and strength training specifically, is worth doing.
Still, someone, especially a woman, is not going to gain muscle so fast that it outpaces any reasonably satisfying rate of fat/weight loss.
Gain a little muscle, while strength training, as a new lifter, even in a calorie deficit? Perhaps. Retain as much muscle as possible alongside losing fat, with strength training? Sure. Get a lot stronger pretty quickly when just starting out with strength training? Sure. Even look a bit better fairly quickly? That can happen. Gain enough muscle to cover up meaningful fat loss, in a short time, at a calorie deficit? I wish.
Thanks so much for your suggestion. Actually, I hadn’t thought about doing the math out of percentages, so I did . Turns out that still with the weight lost , I have gained 690gr of muscle.
I know, there is the “not accurate issue of BIA devices”,but that’s the only thing most of us have available. And I still think, it is better to check how your muscles are doing meanwhile dieting, even if it is not very accurate, than not checking at all.
If you are into bodybuilding, I can imagine you’ll want more accurate data. That’s understandable.
I still very happy about my 690gr of “inaccuarate” muscle gain. And this “inaccurate” data gives me a boost and a great motivation to continue. It seems that all “inaccurate” 690gr are in my “subjective” glutes. 😂
It’s better to be happy with your “subjective”,for some, achievements than to feel depressed and discouraged for not losing weight. For me, my achievements are not subjective at all. I know how I was before, I have lived many years in my body, and I see, measure and feel how I am now.
Wish you all happy, healthy and enjoyable weight lost journey, and don’t fall into negative thoughts. Try to stay motivated, even if your source of positive motivation is not that “accurate”.
And honestly, this is not a “subjective” wish.💪
(quote fixed by MFP mods)13 -
Even ignoring the measurement reliability question: If your fat mass decreases on a percentage basis, and your muscle mass increases on a percentage basis, that isn't necessarily saying your muscle mass has increased. You have to use arithmetic. If I start at 130 pounds and 25% muscle, that's 32.5 pounds of muscle. For the purposes of discussion, let's assume I hold onto every bit of that muscle while losing 5 pounds, so I now weigh 125 and still have 32.5 pounds of muscle, which is 26% muscle. In this example, I didn't gain any muscle at all, but the percentage went up.
In practice, with weight declining, (questionably estimated) muscle increasing on a percentage basis, and (questionably accurate) fat also decreasing on a percentage basis, one has to do the arithmetic to figure out whether muscle gain/loss has happened or not, even based on those questionable numbers.
If you checked with a better tool (more accurate tests are expensive) you'd need to go back in time to get your baseline measurement. But it doesn't really matter. Exercise generally, and strength training specifically, is worth doing.
Still, someone, especially a woman, is not going to gain muscle so fast that it outpaces any reasonably satisfying rate of fat/weight loss.
Gain a little muscle, while strength training, as a new lifter, even in a calorie deficit? Perhaps. Retain as much muscle as possible alongside losing fat, with strength training? Sure. Get a lot stronger pretty quickly when just starting out with strength training? Sure. Even look a bit better fairly quickly? That can happen. Gain enough muscle to cover up meaningful fat loss, in a short time, at a calorie deficit? I wish.
Thanks so much for your suggestion. Actually, I hadn’t thought about doing the math out of percentages, so I did . Turns out that still with the weight lost , I have gained 690gr of muscle.
I know, there is the “not accurate issue of BIA devices”,but that’s the only thing most of us have available. And I still think, it is better to check how your muscles are doing meanwhile dieting, even if it is not very accurate, than not checking at all.
If you are into bodybuilding, I can imagine you’ll want more accurate data. That’s understandable.
I still very happy about my 690gr of “inaccuarate” muscle gain. And this “inaccurate” data gives me a boost and a great motivation to continue. It seems that all “inaccurate” 690gr are in my “subjective” glutes. 😂
It’s better to be happy with your “subjective”,for some, achievements than to feel depressed and discouraged for not losing weight. For me, my achievements are not subjective at all. I know how I was before, I have lived many years in my body, and I see, measure and feel how I am now.
Wish you all happy, healthy and enjoyable weight lost journey, and don’t fall into negative thoughts. Try to stay motivated, even if your source of positive motivation is not that “accurate”.
And honestly, this is not a “subjective” wish.💪
Don't get me wrong: I'm not discounting that you've taken very positive steps, and gotten really good results, and I respect that you've been training devotedly. It would be good for any and all of us to follow that good example. (The only thing I'm arguing with is giving 3rd parties misleading technical advice. I think technical accuracy is good to strive for, in advising others. I've had others disagree with me here any number of times, and learned useful things from it.)
I think what you're doing and accomplishing is just great: I could profitably follow your example, in terms of building muscle. Not only am I not in any way anything like a bodybuilder, I rarely even lift weights. I'd be better off if I did, and encourage others to follow your example in that regard, not mine.
Like you, I take my personal motivation where I can find it; and encourage others to do the same. Sincerely, I wish you continuing health, happiness, and fitness accomplishments.
Best wishes! :flowerforyou:10 -
In which Ann illustrates the proper way to use :flowerforyou:
Well said
5 -
Thanks AnnTP77
Any open minded one interested in the subject can have a look to an study done on this topic. I post the address. You can even contact the University. The details are there.There are many studies like this one, but I am busy with other stuff. Each one must aim to be well informed before telling anyone to stop saying something or that everything is subjective.
https://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/articles/scientists-use-protein-to-close-in-on-the-holy-grail-of-diet-and-exercise/
It turns out, that not everything is black and white when it comes to weight loss and muscle gain. The scenario and steps taken have a lot to do with the results.
Wish everyone succeed attaining their goals!
5 -
Thanks AnnTP77
Any open minded one interested in the subject can have a look to an study done on this topic. I post the address. You can even contact the University. The details are there.There are many studies like this one, but I am busy with other stuff. Each one must aim to be well informed before telling anyone to stop saying something or that everything is subjective.
https://dailynews.mcmaster.ca/articles/scientists-use-protein-to-close-in-on-the-holy-grail-of-diet-and-exercise/
It turns out, that not everything is black and white when it comes to weight loss and muscle gain. The scenario and steps taken have a lot to do with the results.
Wish everyone succeed attaining their goals!
I read the article.
First of all, the study was done on overweight young men. The article says this can "probably" work for young women too. I don't know if the OP is young but it's well known that younger people are at their prime for muscle gain, especially young men which, once again, this study was conducted on.
Secondly, all the subjects did what was called a "demanding" exercise program six days per week, which including lifting. The OP said
which is awesome, but that does not relate to a six day a week demanding exercise program in which people are lifting heavy weights. Women have a tougher time building muscle than men as it is and walking/yoga are not conditions where muscle is being built, especially to the point where it would stall weight loss."I’ve even stepped up my waking game this last week (not that I expect walking to burn a ton of calories) but my usual step count is 5,000ish and now I’m averaging around 8,000 a day. I’ve also been doing a different nightly yoga routine just to mix things up a little bit and engage different muscle groups."
Third, it's said around here often that protein is crucial with regard to weight loss. It has the highest TEF of all three macronutrients and a high protein intake assists a great deal with muscle retention during a deficit. However, protein alone doesn't build muscle.
No, not everything is black and white when it comes to weight loss and muscle gain. The scenario and steps taken do have a lot to do with the results; you're right about that. The problem is that you're citing this study for a situation that doesn't fit the type of scenario and steps taken mentioned in that study.20 -
Hi Maxcmatix,
I am citing this study, because when I said that it is “possible”to gain “some muscle” on a deficit ( depending much on what you do or eat) I was said to shut up basically. “That is a myth”. Which I considered pretty rude, by the way.
Well, it is possible. It turns out that the study shows that the myth is that “you can’t gain muscle on deficit”. That is a general rule. Rules also have exceptions. As I said nothing is really black or white.
And I posted the link, cause it maybe helpful for someone that is actually reading this chat and, by reading it,could have a broader understanding or could be inspired by it. “Knowledge is power”8 -
Hi Maxcmatix,
I am citing this study, because when I said that it is “possible”to gain “some muscle” on a deficit ( depending much on what you do or eat) I was said to shut up basically. “That is a myth”. Which I considered pretty rude, by the way.
Well, it is possible. It turns out that the study shows that the myth is that “you can’t gain muscle on deficit”. That is a general rule. Rules also have exceptions. As I said nothing is really black or white.
And I posted the link, cause it maybe helpful for someone that is actually reading this chat and, by reading it,could have a broader understanding or could be inspired by it. “Knowledge is power”
None of this has anything to do with the OP though.
The point isn't whether or not it's technically possible to gain muscle in a deficit. An untrained newbie working a well designed program and getting enough protein can. But no one in a deficit is gaining enough muscle to cancel out fat loss, and OP isn't doing the things that would allow for muscle gain anyway.
If you'd like to have a discussion about muscle gain in a deficit, starting your own thread with an on point title would get more people involved and more opinions. We actually discuss it a lot here. But it simply doesn't pertain to the OP. She didn't gain enough muscle to affect the scale without even trying.13 -
Wow so this whole argument is based on a .4 lb weight difference that showed up in a 5 day time span???
If you didn’t fully eliminate all the waste in your intestines, there’s your answer. If you are a particular part of your monthly cycle, there’s your answer. I would wait two weeks, keep eating at that amount, then weigh again!7
This discussion has been closed.
Categories
- All Categories
- 1.4M Health, Wellness and Goals
- 391.5K Introduce Yourself
- 43.5K Getting Started
- 260.5K Health and Weight Loss
- 175.6K Food and Nutrition
- 47.5K Recipes
- 232.3K Fitness and Exercise
- 442 Sleep, Mindfulness and Overall Wellness
- 6.4K Goal: Maintaining Weight
- 8.5K Goal: Gaining Weight and Body Building
- 153.1K Motivation and Support
- 8.1K Challenges
- 1.3K Debate Club
- 96.3K Chit-Chat
- 2.5K Fun and Games
- 4K MyFitnessPal Information
- 22 News and Announcements
- 926 Feature Suggestions and Ideas
- 2.3K MyFitnessPal Tech Support Questions