Why haven't I lost much weight?!

sophiegrace543

Because I'm still pretty young, if I eat slightly unhealthily and gain weight quickly (like I did around the end of April), I lose the weight (and often a bit more) really quickly, often without upping my exercise.
Most weeks, if I have a really good week, I can expect to lose 1-2lbs, at least. This week, I've done 1.5 x my recommended exercise goals, which I'm especially proud of because I often don't reach the recommended amount. I've been eating so healthily and it's been making me feel really good. I've even been declining things like pizza and offers to go out for meals which is a struggle for me! My parents have even pointed out that I've been looking slimmer, especially on my stomach.
However, when I stepped on the scales, I only lost 0.6lbs...which for me, isn't that much, especially after a really great week. It's made me feel a bit rubbish and like my efforts have been a waste.... Can anyone explain why this might have happened and what I can do to lose some next week?

Sobus76

It happens. theres a lot of factors that it could be, one of the biggest i've seen personally is water retention from working out and/or eating too much sodium. just keep doing what you're doing and the weight will drop, just dont expect it to keep going at the same pace every week, it just doesnt work like that, trust me.

Shropshire1959

In real terms 1/2 lb is no weight at all - it's a the weight of a glass of water!!! (or going for a wee!!)

A full proper imperial pint of water weights over a a Pound!!


Your Weigh scales are NOT the best indication of your level of health and fitness .. they are ONE indicator that's all and measuring to THAT degree of accuracy AND getting STRESSED about it is not healthy.

tenaciousdee78

Hi yes this is completely normal and happens to nearly everyone during their weight loss programs, the important thing is to stick with it long term and you will see the results you want. Just remember that while you are exercising and eating healthily you have a good chance of reaching your goals but if you give up now you will have no chance at all. Ive been on my weight loss plan since December and this happens to me all the time i can go for 3 weeks without loosing a,single pound despite my best efforts but because ive stuck with it for good ive lost 22 pounds overall. Good luck to you hope this helps xx

JesterMFP

Weight loss isn't linear. You won't always lose x number of pounds per week. Some weeks you'll lose more, some you'll lose less. 0.6 lbs in a week is absolutely fine. It's progress. Yes, you might lose a little more some weeks, since you still have a bit to lose, and as you get closer to goal, it will slow down. Don't be in a rush though. Weight loss is a slow process, and it should be - you want to make sure you're losing only (or mostly) fat, not lots of lean mass (muscle, bone density) along with it. Be patient!

Weight fluctuates all the time, even if you're not trying to lose. You've got to remember that "weight" isn't just the weight of your fat - it's also all your organs, bones, muscles, and an awful lot of fluid. Lots of things can affect the amount of fluid in your body - including changes in exercise and different amounts of sodium and carbs, as well as hormones. The fact that you've done more exercise than you usually do means that your muscles are probably holding onto water to repair themselves. That means extra weight on the scale. Not fat though. Where you are in your menstrual cycle will also have an effect,

Also, don't let the process of losing weight stop you enjoying life. You don't have to decline pizza (unless you actually don't want it, or have already eaten or whatever.) Turning down offers to go out for meals seems like a real shame. Enjoy your life! This doesn't have to be about deprivation.

This is a long, slow, boring process. Keep putting in the effort, and make sure you keep enjoying your life at the same time. It's not about cutting out all the things you love (whether it's food or events/activities) but learning to incorporate those things into a healthy lifestyle. There is nothing inherently wrong or unhealthy about pizza. Yes, it can be high in calories, which is where a calorie counting tool is very helpful.

Don't get too hung up on the numbers. The scale is a useful tool to measure progress but it doesn't tell the whole story. Use tape measurements, photos and how your clothes fit as well. And just keep plodding on. You can't let the scale dictate how you feel about the process, or discourage you. There will likely be weeks where you see a gain, even though you haven't over-eaten. Just keep looking at the overall trend of your weight, and make sure that's going down.

sophiegrace543

This is really reassuring, thank you!

Seeing as people have noticed that I'm looking slimmer, would it be a good idea to measure myself?

Sobus76

Measuring yourself is optional. for me it was just another way to show me my success in numbers, and i'm glad i've done it since the start. i only measure myself about once a month, because it seems to notice any change thats about how long it takes.