The One Truth

lvtruu1

I tend to agree with truushot -- why spend six weeks trying to figure out exactly what the number is when my goal is to change it anyway? -- but I also agree with the OP that the one thing new people need to know is that calories in < calories out = weight loss.

It's important to understand the meaning behind the TDEE. It is equally important to understand that calculators are a best estimate and that once you get to maintenance phase you'll have to do the work described to keep yourself where you want to be. Ultimately, it's that knowledge that makes this a life change rather than a journey to be completed.

That said, I think everyone needs to have a non-weight loss goal in order to really see the big picture. If it's all a numbers game, then there is nothing to prevent someone from playing at the extreme until they reach that goal -- but then what? I'll be the first to admit that I'm delighted every time I see a smaller number on the scale, but there are also other things that I'd like to change about my health, things that I'll probably still be working on after I lose all the weight.

So maybe I don't quite agree with OP after all: the calorie equation may be the one truth of altering body mass, but it certainly isn't the One Truth of arriving at a healthier you (and based on other comments I'd wager the original poster would agree with me, so please take this as my reflection on this thread so far, not criticism of the original post).

Yes, I think one thing you are suggesting is that the scale isn't the only thing you should be kooking at. I will not only agree with that, I will go so far to say it is one of the LAST things you should look at. Much more important is how you feel, inches lost, etc. The scale is not going to always tell the true story. That is why you have to allow a longer period of time before doing something drastic based on scale weight.
Another reason why we should wait 4 to 6 weeks before adjusting?
1. Because I have read 1,000,001 posts where people think their weight loss is stuck and they start soliciting advice and playing around with everything that has been working for them, when in reality it often takes at least a month to see the effects of changes made to diet or exercise. Their weight doesn't go down for a week and what do they do?
They post "Help!!!" on the forum and everyone starts making suggestions. Change this. Change that. When nothing needed to be changed.
2. To answer truushot's question of why wait 4 to 6 weeks. He suggests adjusting the number of calories after 2 weeks. We all know weight loss can do some wacky things over short periods of time. By waiting 4 to 6 weeks, we will see a true picture. My own personal weight loss journey has shown me that I may not lose anything for a month, then lose two pounds overnight. What would happen if I lowered my calories at two weeks of no loss? For one thing I may possibly now be eating under my RMR and since my goal is to retain as much lbm as possible while losing, hat would be detrimental to my progress.

To tuushot, I am not saying don't do anything for 4 to 6 weeks. By all means you should get started as soon as possible, but you should give your body time to adjust. Weight loss is not linear. Do a search on the "Whoosh effect", read some posts then tell me it would be better to make changes after a couple of weeks rather than 4 to 6 weeks.

"It's important to understand the meaning behind the TDEE. It is equally important to understand that calculators are a best estimate and that once you get to maintenance phase you'll have to do the work described to keep yourself where you want to be. Ultimately, it's that knowledge that makes this a life change rather than a journey to be completed."

^^^This is key to the point I was making. But it takes time to get to the point where people truly understand their body. Definitely more than two weeks.

Well yes you are right 2 weeks may not be a long enough span of time. I would normally say 3-4 weeks but at the start of a cut, you will know very quickly if you are gaining weight or losing weight at a given caloric level. Most of the time, the calculator will be within a 100 calories maybe 200. You also need to consider how people think. People as has been stated want results today. Wait to long and they will just quit. If you've made the determination to lose weight you need to get started today or asap. You are motivated right now. You may not be motivated in a few weeks. For larger people with larger TDEE's I'd say cut evern more calories to start with. Your will power with be the determining factor anyway. You either will stick to the plan or you won't. I also disagree with the prevailing wisdom of losing weight at a pound a week. Get the weight off as quickly as you can. (for the obese) You will be super excited when you drop 10-20 pounds in a month. Far more excited then if you lost 4 pounds. Also if you binge because your cut is harsh it will only set you back a bit instead of half a month or a month. I can't imagine being 100 pounds over weight and being on a cut for 2 years... Almost no one would make it. The mental fatigue has to be terrible. If you are dropping 8-10 pounds a month it is, imho, easier to stay on track. Every person is different and you need to figure it out for yourself. You know yourself, you know if you can't possible not binge. (outside of a 5 day vacation, I've never even had a cheat meal) Will power is the only thing that matters. After months of cutting and eating the "right" way, it will become second nature.
You'll be mentally prepared to deal with all the situations that arise. Getting started and sticking to it for a month or two is really the hardest part. (outside of losing the last 10 pounds to get very low body fat percentage)

Don't wait, get started today.

cedarghost

Good point truushot, the level of obesity is definitely factor, as are our individual goals. This is key to the point I was making. Everyone has to know their own body, but a lot of people are to scared to discover what makes themselves tick if it takes more time and more commitment.