How much weight does it take to feel/see a difference?

missmacsays

Question to those of you that have lost-how long did it take or how many pounds until you could feel and see a difference in your body? I've had this for a year, but only ever did anything on and off until last month when I finally decided to get serious about weight loss. I've lost 9lbs thus far and I've been both monitoring my diet and exercising, but I'm not feeling any leaner at all. In fact, I feel heavier and more disgusted by my body now than I have in the past. Thoughts? Suggestions? Maybe I need to do more strength exercises and tone as well? I'm just really not sure, so any advice from someone with more information on this would be appreciated :]

Feel free to also add me and help me critique what I'm eating and the exercises I'm doing. Maybe that's where I'm going wrong. I just want to feel GOOD about the weight coming off, not worse.

wendymaci

Take progress pics. I've only lost 15 lbs and I couldn't see any difference even though my clothes were a little bit loose. I took more pics and compared and saw my waist getting smaller, my back fat disappearing and my muffin top shrinking. It was awesome to see, because looking in the mirror every day I didn't see any changes. It was really motivating!

caterpillardreams

Take progress pics. I've only lost 15 lbs and I couldn't see any difference even though my clothes were a little bit loose. I took more pics and compared and saw my waist getting smaller, my back fat disappearing and my muffin top shrinking. It was awesome to see, because looking in the mirror every day I didn't see any changes. It was really motivating!

Same here. Take pics and measurements. Cause many times you may not lose what you expected. but if you look at pics you will see a difference. I am challenging myself to not look at the scale fora while because it pisses me off, and it not a reflection of all my hard work.

jynxxxed

Took me around 30 to notice anything significant (in my eyes, anyway)

thescottishone

Same here. Take pics and measurements. Cause many times you may not lose what you expected. but if you look at pics you will see a difference. I am challenging myself to not look at the scale fora while because it pisses me off, and it not a reflection of all my hard work.
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Haha! Know that feeling, definitely p'd off with my scale at the moment. I find measuring helps me a little but also find it frustrating as such a slow process!

missmacsays

Take progress pics. I've only lost 15 lbs and I couldn't see any difference even though my clothes were a little bit loose. I took more pics and compared and saw my waist getting smaller, my back fat disappearing and my muffin top shrinking. It was awesome to see, because looking in the mirror every day I didn't see any changes. It was really motivating!

How often do you do that?

missmacsays

Take progress pics. I've only lost 15 lbs and I couldn't see any difference even though my clothes were a little bit loose. I took more pics and compared and saw my waist getting smaller, my back fat disappearing and my muffin top shrinking. It was awesome to see, because looking in the mirror every day I didn't see any changes. It was really motivating!

Same here. Take pics and measurements. Cause many times you may not lose what you expected. but if you look at pics you will see a difference. I am challenging myself to not look at the scale fora while because it pisses me off, and it not a reflection of all my hard work.

Yeah, I'm not mad at my scale yet BUT I think I'm becoming a little scale-obsessed, which is also not a good thing lol.

missmacsays

Took me around 30 to notice anything significant (in my eyes, anyway)

I'm worried I'm going to lose motivation before that by not seeing any difference

missmacsays

Same here. Take pics and measurements. Cause many times you may not lose what you expected. but if you look at pics you will see a difference. I am challenging myself to not look at the scale fora while because it pisses me off, and it not a reflection of all my hard work.

Haha! Know that feeling, definitely p'd off with my scale at the moment. I find measuring helps me a little but also find it frustrating as such a slow process!
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I could do measuring! That seems like a better way then just going by the scale.

rockingallovertheworld

I think it depends on each individual and how much you have to lose in the beginning. I usually notice with my clothes becoming looser rather than any physical changes but other people seem to notice the physical changes . I have sent you a friend request. Also taking photos is a good idea but I really dislike having my photo taken hense my Mc Donalds profile photo! I am off on holiday soon so maybe will get a decent photo then!:laugh:

Frozen300

Took me 20 lbs to really see a difference. I have this nice protective layer of seal fat all over my body and it'll probably be another 20 before this belly has any real noticable reduction. I keep reminding myself that it's not just the appearance that I'm going for, I want to be healthier as I get older. Being out of shape in my late 40's and 50's is something that I truelly fear.

missmacsays

I think it depends on each individual and how much you have to lose in the beginning. I usually notice with my clothes becoming looser rather than any physical changes but other people seem to notice the physical changes . I have sent you a friend request. Also taking photos is a good idea but I really dislike having my photo taken hense my Mc Donalds profile photo! I am off on holiday soon so maybe will get a decent photo then!:laugh:

I've felt a small difference in clothing, but mostly feeling bloated and heavy. What a nasty feeling! I hate taking pics of myself too. Well, full body shots that is. I don't mind face pics though haha, just so long as no one sees what's attached to my face. But that's all part of this effor to lose the weight. Add confidence for pics :]

missmacsays

Took me 20 lbs to really see a difference. I have this nice protective layer of seal fat all over my body and it'll probably be another 20 before this belly has any real noticable reduction. I keep reminding myself that it's not just the appearance that I'm going for, I want to be healthier as I get older. Being out of shape in my late 40's and 50's is something that I truelly fear.

Oh I definitely agree on that. This whole thing started not only because of a significant weight gain in the last year, but also because of the new health problems starting to show up. Who wants to be 25 and already needing blood pressure meds and regular blood work? Not I! (Or my bank account for that matter!!)

D3vAnge1

The best thing for you to do is take pics frequently...iow, become as photogenic as possible. Granted I don't, but others have caught me on cam when I wasn't look just so they could reveal to me what I can't seem to see. U'll be amazed, especially as you continue with your journey...Now, that doesn't mean U'll always see a thinner U in the mirror, cuz at least from what I've been experiencing, U're mindset about ur image doesn't always match what U c in the mirror...Still tryna fig that one out, lol.

Seriosly tho, try periodic pics of yourself & go by how your closthe are fitting & record & take your measurements ever couple of months or so. If people who had not taken interest in you before & those who use to suggest low fat/low cal recipes on the sly & the others who never complimented you for any weightloss in the pass begin to say "wow, you look good....R U losing weight?" or "OMG, you've lost so much weight!" Don't shrug it off, consider you're doing a really good job & push yourself a bit harder. I will tell you this much, toning up...weight training, other workouts, & eating well will not only help you to succeed in getting the scale to lean your way, but it will definitely give you a boost of confidence, self esteem and, should I dare say, pump your head up a tad :bigsmile:

missmacsays

The best thing for you to do is take pics frequently...iow, become as photogenic as possible. Granted I don't, but others have caught me on cam when I wasn't look just so they could reveal to me what I can't seem to see. U'll be amazed, especially as you continue with your journey...Now, that doesn't mean U'll always see a thinner U in the mirror, cuz at least from what I've been experiencing, U're mindset about ur image doesn't always match what U c in the mirror...Still tryna fig that one out, lol.

Seriosly tho, try periodic pics of yourself & go by how your closthe are fitting & record & take your measurements ever couple of months or so. If people who had not taken interest in you before & those who use to suggest low fat/low cal recipes on the sly & the others who never complimented you for any weightloss in the pass begin to say "wow, you look good....R U losing weight?" or "OMG, you've lost so much weight!" Don't shrug it off, consider you're doing a really good job & push yourself a bit harder. I will tell you this much, toning up...weight training, other workouts, & eating well will not only help you to succeed in getting the scale to lean your way, but it will definitely give you a boost of confidence, self esteem and, should I dare say, pump your head up a tad :bigsmile:

Thanks for the good advice :] I'm definitely looking forward to when others start noticing. That's usually the only way I can tell is from positive feedback honestly. But I'm pretty sure I need to beef up my workout or I may just lose pounds and still not be fit. Any suggestions? You look like you're doing AWESOME!!

caro1275

Hi,

I have about 60 to lose in all. At 15lbs lost I could feel it I'm my clothes- and a friend who had not seen me in a while noticed. Then all the sudden at 20lbs, I could physically see a change in the mirror, I felt so much more energetic and everyone around me started noticing and commenting.

Keep at it! It's worth it. I reached a 3 week plateau after only a month of "dieting." It WILL come off

butterflygurl89

I think it depends on each individual and how much you have to lose in the beginning. I usually notice with my clothes becoming looser rather than any physical changes but other people seem to notice the physical changes . I have sent you a friend request. Also taking photos is a good idea but I really dislike having my photo taken hense my Mc Donalds profile photo! I am off on holiday soon so maybe will get a decent photo then!:laugh:

Exactly the same here. Even though I'm down a pant size I didn't think anything had gotten smaller anywhere. And I was really looking/hoping for anything! But others had been telling me they could see a difference, and my pants aren't gonna lie, so obviously something's happening!

Cristofori44

I started noticing a difference at 12 pounds lost, but then again I recomped a lot and lost inches so I wasn't just going by the scale.

missmacsays

Hi,

I have about 60 to lose in all. At 15lbs lost I could feel it I'm my clothes- and a friend who had not seen me in a while noticed. Then all the sudden at 20lbs, I could physically see a change in the mirror, I felt so much more energetic and everyone around me started noticing and commenting.

Keep at it! It's worth it. I reached a 3 week plateau after only a month of "dieting." It WILL come off

Thanks! Hopefully I have the same luck!!

missmacsays

I think it depends on each individual and how much you have to lose in the beginning. I usually notice with my clothes becoming looser rather than any physical changes but other people seem to notice the physical changes . I have sent you a friend request. Also taking photos is a good idea but I really dislike having my photo taken hense my Mc Donalds profile photo! I am off on holiday soon so maybe will get a decent photo then!:laugh:

Exactly the same here. Even though I'm down a pant size I didn't think anything had gotten smaller anywhere. And I was really looking/hoping for anything! But others had been telling me they could see a difference, and my pants aren't gonna lie, so obviously something's happening!

Yeah, maybe it just takes longer for people to be able to see changes in themselves. I think when I can fit in my skinny jeans and they look good, I'll be convinced it's working. lol.

missmacsays

I started noticing a difference at 12 pounds lost, but then again I recomped a lot and lost inches so I wasn't just going by the scale.

Lots of people are mentioning the benefits of measurements. I'm definitely going to try that!

mccbabe1

Question to those of you that have lost-how long did it take or how many pounds until you could feel and see a difference in your body? I've had this for a year, but only ever did anything on and off until last month when I finally decided to get serious about weight loss. I've lost 9lbs thus far and I've been both monitoring my diet and exercising, but I'm not feeling any leaner at all. In fact, I feel heavier and more disgusted by my body now than I have in the past. Thoughts? Suggestions? Maybe I need to do more strength exercises and tone as well? I'm just really not sure, so any advice from someone with more information on this would be appreciated :]

Feel free to also add me and help me critique what I'm eating and the exercises I'm doing. Maybe that's where I'm going wrong. I just want to feel GOOD about the weight coming off, not worse.

i could tell by 10 #'s that my face looked slimmer.. and now at 21# diff ( lost 21#'s in 10wks on mfp!) i can def see a diff in my face (even more) and my waist and all around.. I didnt measure.. ugh shoulda.. but I was busting out of my size 18's and now fit comfy in 16 and even fit into a stretch/comfy fit 14!!! peeps are noticing and it feels great ! (my profile pic in red shirt is me at start of mfp and right side of pic (darker shirt) is last wk...
i track every day.. stay on target.. workout every day burning minimum of 300 cals.. and closer to 500-700 and do some strenght training too!!... keep at it.. it pays off... you might just be really LOOKING at your body now and seeing it for first time almost.. vs b4 when not loosing wt.. if that makes sense.. but 9 pounds is an awesome start.. stay motivated!!!!

missmacsays

Question to those of you that have lost-how long did it take or how many pounds until you could feel and see a difference in your body? I've had this for a year, but only ever did anything on and off until last month when I finally decided to get serious about weight loss. I've lost 9lbs thus far and I've been both monitoring my diet and exercising, but I'm not feeling any leaner at all. In fact, I feel heavier and more disgusted by my body now than I have in the past. Thoughts? Suggestions? Maybe I need to do more strength exercises and tone as well? I'm just really not sure, so any advice from someone with more information on this would be appreciated :]

Feel free to also add me and help me critique what I'm eating and the exercises I'm doing. Maybe that's where I'm going wrong. I just want to feel GOOD about the weight coming off, not worse.

i could tell by 10 #'s that my face looked slimmer.. and now at 21# diff ( lost 21#'s in 10wks on mfp!) i can def see a diff in my face (even more) and my waist and all around.. I didnt measure.. ugh shoulda.. but I was busting out of my size 18's and now fit comfy in 16 and even fit into a stretch/comfy fit 14!!! peeps are noticing and it feels great ! (my profile pic in red shirt is me at start of mfp and right side of pic (darker shirt) is last wk...
i track every day.. stay on target.. workout every day burning minimum of 300 cals.. and closer to 500-700 and do some strenght training too!!... keep at it.. it pays off... you might just be really LOOKING at your body now and seeing it for first time almost.. vs b4 when not loosing wt.. if that makes sense.. but 9 pounds is an awesome start.. stay motivated!!!!

You're probably right. I may be wayyy more critical of my body now than I've ever been. I think before I just accepted I was heavy and now I want to make a difference and I want to see it right away. I need to learn patience lol. But that's awesome how much you've lost already, congrats! I've been tracking everyday and sticking around 1200 cals (except on weekends ) and trying to exercise daily, but it's sometimes a lot and sometimes a little. Haven't been doing strength training at all though. I think I'll try to add that in too. I definitely notice the flabby areas of my body now. Cannot wait for those to be gone!!

andy5405

Hang in there, 9 lbs is a significant weight loss and don't be too critical of yourself. I have lost just over 20 this year and went swimming for the 1st time in 18 months last night. I checked myself out in the mirror as I walked to the pool and there was definitely a big difference. I didn't feel that self-conscious at all though I still have a long way to go to get to my real ideal weight. There is no way I would have entered a pool a few months back. It was a significant day for me.

I think there is a continual danger of not being satisfied until people have reached their ideal weight. I say enjoy the journey and all the little steps along the way. Celebrate losing a pound, it's a much bigger deal than gaining one. All those little celebrations will add up to something of real worth in the end. I also read a quote on here last night which I really liked. It said something like "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"

Also the whole half full/half empty glass scenario is worth exploring. I was well on track yesterday after my evening swim to be well under my calorie goal for the day. I was chuffed as it was a big day particularly as I got back in the pool for the 1st time. The rest of the evening for reasons I won't bore people with was a nightmare. I ended up snacking 500 calories and missed my target by 37 calories. I'm still celebrating as only a few weeks ago the stress of last night would have resulted in several pints at my local pub followed by a takeout curry. That would have been at least 1500 calories. I actually started walking to the pub, did a quick reality check, turned round a and came home. My glass couldn't be more full but it would be so easy to see it as half empty if I chose to.

missmacsays

Hang in there, 9 lbs is a significant weight loss and don't be too critical of yourself. I have lost just over 20 this year and went swimming for the 1st time in 18 months last night. I checked myself out in the mirror as I walked to the pool and there was definitely a big difference. I didn't feel that self-conscious at all though I still have a long way to go to get to my real ideal weight. There is no way I would have entered a pool a few months back. It was a significant day for me.

I think there is a continual danger of not being satisfied until people have reached their ideal weight. I say enjoy the journey and all the little steps along the way. Celebrate losing a pound, it's a much bigger deal than gaining one. All those little celebrations will add up to something of real worth in the end. I also read a quote on here last night which I really liked. It said something like "Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels"

Also the whole half full/half empty glass scenario is worth exploring. I was well on track yesterday after my evening swim to be well under my calorie goal for the day. I was chuffed as it was a big day particularly as I got back in the pool for the 1st time. The rest of the evening for reasons I won't bore people with was a nightmare. I ended up snacking 500 calories and missed my target by 37 calories. I'm still celebrating as only a few weeks ago the stress of last night would have resulted in several pints at my local pub followed by a takeout curry. That would have been at least 1500 calories. I actually started walking to the pub, did a quick reality check, turned round a and came home. My glass couldn't be more full but it would be so easy to see it as half empty if I chose to.

That makes a lot of sense. Congrats on accomplishing a milestone for yourself, that's awesome. Definitely looking forward to feeling better about being in a bathing suit, but luckily for me it's freezing here so I've got awhile before I'll have that chance again. It takes a LOT of willpower to not indulge, something I'll continuously be working on, that's for certain. And even more so when life gets rocky. I need to not be an emotional drinker. If ever there were a culprit for my weight gain, it's likely the booze. At least I've noticed that from my tracking, so that helps to know where it's coming from most. Now to overcome it!!

1Fizzle

Taking measurements is something I wish I had done at the beginning of my journey. I have to wear suits to work daily, when I first started I had suits that I couldn't even button the jackets, and now they are so loose that they are literally falling off of me. Even though the scale was going down, I couldn't see the "newer me" by just looking. Good luck to you in your journey! Patience and consistency are key!

missmacsays

Taking measurements is something I wish I had done at the beginning of my journey. I have to wear suits to work daily, when I first started I had suits that I couldn't even button the jackets, and now they are so loose that they are literally falling off of me. Even though the scale was going down, I couldn't see the "newer me" by just looking. Good luck to you in your journey! Patience and consistency are key!

That seems to be the general opinion of everyone. So glad I asked. I honestly didn't think about doing measurements at all, but I think I'll start when I do my weigh ins too. So in case I don't see anything just from looking, maybe I'll start to believe it if the measurements AND the scale say so.

wendymaci

Measurements are good but I'm a very visual person and I needed to see results. I didn't see any when looking in the mirror so I took new pics and this is what I saw. It was the motivation to keep going this was only 14lbs different first pic at 174 second was 160.

I can see less back fat, a more defined waist and a shrinking muffin top!!!


OK trying this again

Before Pic at 174


Last week at 160

wendymaci

Finally got it to work.

peuglow

Take pictures. I started noticing around the 15 lb mark, but the measurements were clear long before that.

alisha1321

I think it depends on how much you weigh. Some people it takes about 15-30 pounds. When I was really heavy it wasn't til I lost 30 pounds. Measurements are a great thing. You will get excited when you see the inches being trimmed off around your waist and hips..... try that.