Weight Loss is Not Linear
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EroseT23
Posts: 74 Member
![ProgressChart-2-1.png?t=1330415645](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y24/LittleTisch/Random/ProgressChart-2-1.png?t=1330415645)
There are always new posts every day about people who haven't lost weight -- or even gained -- despite doing everything right. They think that since they set their goal at 1.5lbs/week, they should lose a steady 1.5/lbs a week. But even if you meet all your calorie and macro goals and manage to workout a decent amount of time, that is NOT a guarantee that the weight will come off THAT WEEK. Sometimes you gain due to water retention. Maybe you need a food scale or HRM to really, REALLY make sure you're calculating everything right. Maybe you aren't getting enough sleep or drinking enough water. Or maybe there isn't really an explanation you can find. Our bodies are individual things and don't always adhere to the guidelines and goals we set out. My body doesn't do what someone else's does. That's okay.
The graph above is a chart of my personal weight loss progress since August 24. As you can see, sometimes I lose a little weight, sometimes a lot, and sometimes I even gain. I cut out most of the ones where nothing changed just because it took up too much space on the graph. But the TREND is always down. That's the part to focus on. The big picture.
This is a long, long process, and that's okay. When you get frustrated at the scale, think about the trend. And maybe even forget about that number for a bit and consider all the things you do every day that point you in the right direction. For example, I make it a point to eat fruits and/or veggies at every meal, and I always aim to get my 5-9 daily. I try to workout at least 4 times a week. I'm *almost* a US size 12, and I fit into medium tops and dresses for the first time since junior high. That's big news.
So try not to freak out when you don't see the numbers you were hoping for. Just breathe, log it, and keep moving forward. You'll get there in time. It's okay. :flowerforyou:
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Replies
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Bump -- this got buried last night. =P0
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Awesome post. Thanks!0
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I love this! Thank you! I always get so disappointed when I gain for a week. Sometimes it comes right back off, other times it takes a week or two, but I am losing. I need to focus on the big picture more.
P.S.- Great job! You are doing amazing :]0 -
Nice post!
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Great post!0
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Great reminder!!0
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This is a helpful visual! Thanks - and well done on your weight loss.0
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Great post, think we all need a reminder of this when those evil scales are harsh! Thanks :bigsmile:0
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Completely agree. Check out mine. I have been losing on average 1kg per week since 1st jan but some weeks that is 1.5kg some only 0.3kg (this week! Grrr!)0
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Thx so much.. it is members like yourself who take the time to encourage others like us. This can be very discouraging to the point I dread going to the scales to avaoid frustration and disappointment.Im 62 and struggling and on the verge of saying whats the use. Its comments like yours that just make us want to drive on for another week.0
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I couldn't agree more.
It is good to read your post because I am used to be anxious about this not linear weight loss.0 -
A sigh of relief knowing the weight loss is not linear. Thank you for posting the weight loss graphically and giving us encouragement to keep us going when the scale is not kind to us.0
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BUMP!
Everyone with loads of weight to lose should read this! Great Post!0 -
The older you get the more this seems to be true. I used to lose at a steady rate but now I'm 53 it can be all over the place. But the rate is downwards over the long term. Weighing in the evening is hopeless, I can put on up to 5 pounds between the morning and evening depending on what I have eaten or drunk.0
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Completely agree. Check out mine. I have been losing on average 1kg per week since 1st jan but some weeks that is 1.5kg some only 0.3kg (this week! Grrr!)
This is also a reason why I recommend weighing in every day. You will quickly learn it is not linear and understand how your body reacts to your diet/exercise/TOTM (for the ladies). Will help you make right choices.0 -
Awesome visual- this really puts things into perspective. I tend to get discouraged and it's hard to see the trend at times. Thanks so much!0
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Bump for later0
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Thanks! It's so hard not to be disappointed with a gain at weigh in, but you're right. What's there this week will disappear over time and the trend is loss. That's what matters! Thanks for the reminder!0
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Thanks For the post. I experienced this similar pattern also.0
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GREAT POST!!! Thanks so much!0
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