Question for you other maintainers

ChrisS30V · October 2013

Ok, so I've been maintaining for a few months now and really haven't seen much of a difference on the scale from week to week (that's the point of maintaining, right?). However, I'm finding that I am still losing inches, particularly in my waist. Since I was quite a bit heavier at one point, I do have some loose skin in certain places and I know that loose skin does eventually begin to retract, but is this something that is typical when one moves to maintenance?

I've probably lost an additional 1" off of my waist on top of what I lost when I was in weight loss mode. I started noticing a difference in the mirror before curiosity got the best of me and I elected to pull out the tape measure. I'm definitely not complaining, I'm just curious if others here have experienced something similar.

iechick · October 2013

I've read that it can take up to a year for your body composition to stop changing after you lose weight. My weight has finally stabilized into a 3lb range but in the last couple weeks I've noticed my jeans are now loose again, even though the scale has stayed consistent.

Part of the process I guess

LizDHarris · October 2013

I've been maintaining within a 3lb +/- range for nearly 2 years, but have noticed in the last 3 months or so that I'm feeling flabbier. Clothes are no tighter, and I've not routinely measured so it is no more than a feeling. I can only assume it is the age thing catching up with me.

FrankiesSaysRelax · October 2013

Although I'm maintaining, I continue to work out and lift heavy 4-5x a week. I've upped my calories so I won't lose, but I'm still losing inches.

sijomial · October 2013

You definitely can change without your weight moving - although I'm deliberately trying to recomp.
Body fat is deceasing and muscle mass is increasing slowly, my waist has gone down and my arms and legs have got bigger along with better muscle definition.

Different people have also noticed changes from my sister in law saying I looked less "gaunt" than I did a few months ago - exaggeration, I've never been gaunt in my life!
I've also been told that "you've got your bum back" - apparently it went somewhere for a while????

Being much older it does take longer for your skin to catch up though - part of the reason I deliberately lost my weight slowly.

therainandthunder · October 2013

Same here. you might be gaining muscle mass and losing fat.

rainbow198 · October 2013

Although I'm maintaining, I continue to work out and lift heavy 4-5x a week. I've upped my calories so I won't lose, but I'm still losing inches.

Ditto. My weight is remaining in the same 5lb +/- range, but I am still losing inches and getting firmer (legs and core especially).

joyfuljoy65 · October 2013

Since I was quite a bit heavier at one point, I do have some loose skin in certain places and I know that loose skin does eventually begin to retract, but is this something that is typical when one moves to maintenance?

I've probably lost an additional 1" off of my waist on top of what I lost when I was in weight loss mode. I started noticing a difference in the mirror before curiosity got the best of me and I elected to pull out the tape measure. I'm definitely not complaining, I'm just curious if others here have experienced something similar.

Please tell me its the skin retracting! I have just started maintenance and hoping my skin will catch on soon that it can stop flapping :blushing:

vjohn04 · October 2013

I haven't lost 'weight' really in over a year and have pretty much stayed within a 5 lb range... however, my dress size this time one year ago was a loose 10 and is now a 6.

So assuming you're incorporating a strength training program, its very possible and very likely you will continue to change your composition.

pkw58 · October 2013

I am experiencing the same thing. As I continue to hit my activity (exercise) targets and continue to maintain my macros / calories in, my clothes continue to be fitting a bit looser. And my energy level continues to rise.

The more eat with watching sodium and sugar, the clearer my skin is, as well as I don't seem to have as much "water gain" during the day, even though I am drinking 8+ cups of water a day.

Another good reason to log. Macros and sodium/sugar monitoring. As you body changes/ages/etc, it is good information to look back on.

harleygroomer · October 2013

Even thought you are maintaining, your body will still readjust itself for up to a year. You are still exercising and toning things and all of your "bits and pieces" have to find new places to hang out. After all this is your lifestyle change--so go forth and change:flowerforyou:

stuffinmuffin · October 2013

It took me a while to settle after maintaining. Plus, my weight might stay the same (through maintenance) but my body shape will adjust according to what exercise routine I am doing at the time.

ChrisS30V · October 2013

Thanks for the replies everyone, I knew I wasn't the only one. It's very encouraging to still be seeing physical changes, even though I am eating to maintain. I plan to stick to my exercise routine, eat and just enjoy the ride.

nxd10 · October 2013

I did. I'm exercising a bit more, but all the muscles (and skin) are tightening up over what is essentially empty space where the fat was.

It is exactly the same process as after I had a baby. Also - just like after a baby - I can tell when I am losing weight (or bulk) because my back hurts. The abdomonal muscles become too loose to hold everything in place. And then they tighten up and I'm fine.

I've only lost 20% of my body weight (40 pounds). I can't imagine what this is like for people who have lost so much more.

Seesawboomerang · October 2013

Similar: I've gained a little weight (within my range) but the measurements have not increased. I've recently started measuring bodyfat % as well so I'll be interested to see what happens with that over time.

Question for you other maintainers

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