Can this slow weight loss? (TMI)

LMcG20

Hi

Recently my weight loss has slowed down quite a bit, I've lost about half a pound over the last ten days. It is still a loss, so I'm happy about that. However, I've been constipated for about a week now - as in absolutely nothing Do you think this is what could have slowed the loss down? I've also started a new fitness class once a week, that I've been to twice now. I've logged/weighed everything, even chewing gum!

Thanks!

Nony_Mouse

You're retaining matter in your colon, that has weight. A week is a long time to go without...going. Are you getting enough fibre? Too much fibre?

New exercise can cause fluid retention, which can mask fat lose.

PAV8888

The main issue here is not your weight level!

paperpudding

losing 1/2 pound over 10 days is fine - some weeks you lose more than others

However a week is a long time to go without a bowel movement and I think you should try OTC laxatives and if that doesnt help, see doctor.

if it is an ongoing/recurring issue - see a doctor.

nighthawk584

it's time for metamucil or maybe even a stronger laxative. One week without BM is not good! I've had constipation issues my whole adult life. I know, TMI, but what works for me is drinking MORE than enough water and eating enough fiber. I swear by Fiber One or All Bran cereals! Taking a laxative is my absolute last resort, but if it has been a week, it's time for something strong!

LMcG20

Thanks for all your help. It isn't a recurring issue, I'm usually fine, so I had just put it down to diet changes. I'll call into the pharmacy after work and speak to them about OTC laxatives. If that doesn't help I'll book in with my doctor!

kshama2001

andytattooer wrote: »

Thanks for all your help. It isn't a recurring issue, I'm usually fine, so I had just put it down to diet changes. I'll call into the pharmacy after work and speak to them about OTC laxatives. If that doesn't help I'll book in with my doctor!

Good plan!

What dietary changes? Maybe we can make suggestions to help. For example, if you went high protein, you might need more fiber and fat. If you went keto, I'm not sure but someone else might know.

spiriteagle99

When I was doing low carb dieting, I had the same issue. I ended up taking fiber tablets to get regular again. My body was missing it's usual fruit and raisin bran. A stool softener along with some fiber may be better for you than an actual laxative.

fdlewenstein

I had a horrible experience with constipation and it was extremely scary and uncomfortable. You should have a bowl movement every day. I take natural calm (magnesium supplement) everyday and this has helped me to be regular. Fiber and water also helps.

fdlewenstein

Just to add...if you like black licorice this has always helped me. However, it is only a temporary fix.

Wombat468

fdlewenstein wrote: »

I had a horrible experience with constipation and it was extremely scary and uncomfortable. You should have a bowl movement every day. I take natural calm (magnesium supplement) everyday and this has helped me to be regular. Fiber and water also helps.

People vary quite a bit - some go several times a day, some 2-3 times a week. They're all normal. I've never been an every day girl!

vivo1972

I use a glycerin suppository twice a week - the side effects of meds cause constipation. It's gentle and works within minutes.

bearly63

Believe it or not, when this happens to me, I of course google it and read up on medical websites that I trust. Everyone is different so while having a daily BM or two is nice, its not the norm for all - ask your doctor. A week is a long time esp if that is not your norm. I drink more water, drink some Metamucil in the am, love my fiber one a few times a week, and exercise - that usually gets things back to my normal. I will add OTC meds if that doesn't help and that usually always works. And yes, read up on how much weight is tied up in your waste - pretty amazing.

AnnPT77

Short of actual disease states, the things that most influence digestive throughput, IME, are getting enough

* Fiber (and if one targets a large increase, implementing it gradually);
* Water or other hydration;
* Dietary fats. (This one can be a common issue among people trying to cut calories, since fats are calorie dense . . . but we still need some. 0.3-0.45g per pound of healthy goal weight is a good range for many people).

Beyond that, exercise (especially exercise that moves the midsection) helps some people. Some people benefit from probiotic foods (live culture yogurt, kefir, kim chi, sauerkraut, miso, kombucha, etc.). An OTC magnesium supplement helps some people, but excess can cause diarrhea and other negative symptoms **.

An OTC gentle laxative can be fine to remedy an acute situation, but considering your overall dietary strategies is a good longer term avoidance solution, unless your doctor suggests routine medication.

(I'm speaking as someone formerly diagnosed with persistent IBS/C, who now experiences any symptoms very, very rarely; and those usually slight and attributable to suboptimal behavior.)

** Details at https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/

Jenpiddles

I'm more concerned about the week without a 💩 than about the weight loss.

Take some Miralax until the constipation resolves, and maintain good bowel habits with a fiber supplement. There are powders and gummies, whichever you prefer. An occasional stool softener will help if it happens again, but don't wait a week before doing something about it!

AnnPT77

Jenpiddles wrote: »

I'm more concerned about the week without a 💩 than about the weight loss.

Take some Miralax until the constipation resolves, and maintain good bowel habits with a fiber supplement. There are powders and gummies, whichever you prefer. An occasional stool softener will help if it happens again, but don't wait a week before doing something about it!

Fiber supplement can be the right answer, if fiber is low.

Doctor told me to take a fiber supplement. It made things much, much worse. I was already eating plenty of fiber . . . but not drinking nearly enough water.

In order to find the right solution, one needs to figure out what the problem is. Fiber is one possibility. There are several other fairly common ones.

paperpudding

Fibre supplements do not work unless your water intake is adequate.

LMcG20

Thanks for all the replies. After a couple of days of taking some senna tablets, things are finally on the move so to speak! I think you made some good points though about needing to look at my diet and what's caused this in the first place.

I am definitely guilty of not drinking nowhere near enough water as I should so I will increase that. On the fiber side of things, I think I do eat enough. I have decreased fat intake probably by quite a bit since starting dieting, so I'll look into eating more healthy fats.

Thanks for all your help!

kshama2001

andytattooer wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. After a couple of days of taking some senna tablets, things are finally on the move so to speak! I think you made some good points though about needing to look at my diet and what's caused this in the first place.

I am definitely guilty of not drinking nowhere near enough water as I should so I will increase that. On the fiber side of things, I think I do eat enough. I have decreased fat intake probably by quite a bit since starting dieting, so I'll look into eating more healthy fats.

Thanks for all your help!

Glad to hear this! To be clear, did your weight also start to move?

ninerbuff

Well let's start with the obvious. How many calories are you eating a day?

A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
IDEA Fitness member
Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition

fourtotwentychars

Imagine the instantaneous weight loss you're going to have once the laxatives kick in. Make sure to weigh yourself before and after just so you know.

LondonParisTexas

Try an aloe Vera supplement. Of course constipation will affect weight loss that’s why you’ should always weigh yourself “after”

LMcG20

kshama2001 wrote: »

andytattooer wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. After a couple of days of taking some senna tablets, things are finally on the move so to speak! I think you made some good points though about needing to look at my diet and what's caused this in the first place.

I am definitely guilty of not drinking nowhere near enough water as I should so I will increase that. On the fiber side of things, I think I do eat enough. I have decreased fat intake probably by quite a bit since starting dieting, so I'll look into eating more healthy fats.

Thanks for all your help!

Glad to hear this! To be clear, did your weight also start to move?

It did!