Not feeling it.

hopet1314
hopet1314 Posts: 3
in Health and Weight Loss
I've been moving more and limiting the amount I'm eating for about a month. The scale says I'm losing weight but I don't know if I believe it. My scale said I have lost 14 lbs within the last month, I don't feel like I did and I don't think I look like I did. Is it normal to not feel or see a weight lose? Could it just be a defective scale?

Replies

  • DanaDark
    DanaDark Posts: 2,187 Member
    Depends on how much your starting weight is. If your starting weight is 500 lbs, then 14 won't seem like much of a difference to you. If you start at 100 lbs, 14 is a huge portion of your body.

    Weight loss goals should be long term, not just a month long.
  • psuLemon
    psuLemon Posts: 38,428 MFP Moderator
    It really depends on how much weight you have to lose. The greater the starting point, the less you will notice. For example, if you started at 150 and now would be 135, then that's a 10% lose in overall weight where if you were 300 and now 285, it's only a 5% reduction. Also, keep in mind that you are losing weight from all over. So it might be from your neck, arms, feet, legs, etc.. and depending on where you store your fat, it may take longer to notice.
  • hopet1314
    hopet1314 Posts: 3
    I started at 200 and now I'm around 186
  • shaynes14
    shaynes14 Posts: 106 Member
    Hold on a little longer. I started about where you are and I really didn't feel it until I lost close to 25 pounds. Don't let it discourage you. You are doing great! For what it's worth, some days, I still don't "feel" it, but then I walk by a mirror. Self perception can't always be something to go by! Keep at it....
  • onichikun
    onichikun Posts: 21 Member
    Another thing you may want to do is change up your exercise, and better balance what you eat.

    For example, lowering your calorie intake and still eating a lot of sugary things can make your blood sugar fluxuate, which can lead to feeling tired/fatigue. Too much fruit juice (which many people think they can just drink a lot of) can cause this due to its high sugar content. Making sure you are eating the correct things is very important as well, since lowering your calorie intake without taking this into account can lead to deficiencies in important dietary components.

    Also, if you eat a lot of salty foods, this can lead to water retention and a feeling of being bloated.

    You could have also lost lean muscle mass in that 14 lbs if your diet and exercise isn't balanced properly in your calorie deficit. Muscles are a relatively "cheap" energy source, and your body will cannibalize its own muscle mass for energy. Make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet.
  • hopet1314
    hopet1314 Posts: 3
    Thanks everyone. you were a lot of help :)
  • i_miss_donuts
    i_miss_donuts Posts: 180 Member
    The scale cannot always be trusted. Make sure you take measurements and pics as well - sometimes those are more reliable indicators of progress.
  • Ready2Rock206
    Ready2Rock206 Posts: 9,487 Member
    I've lost 20 - I don't look any different, my clothes don't feel different, but it will happen! Just keep it up and you'll get there.
  • Drenched_N_Motivation
    Drenched_N_Motivation Posts: 1,004 Member
    I feel the same way sometimes, some days I see it and some days I dont. Just keep at it, you must be doing something right!
  • redhotpeg
    redhotpeg Posts: 5
    you will, just keep continuing to think positive and stay on track, don't want to get discouraged because you don't feel it. and remember to exercise, builds muscle which will keep the weight off

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