Lost fat but gained over a stone!! :(

elinnicholson
elinnicholson Posts: 5 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi all,

First post, and looking for a bit of a help after weighing myself in the gym last night and having a little cry over it.

So, according to 3 different weighing scales (one electric), I'm now over a stone heavier than when I was 2-3 dress sizes bigger. I know that muscle is 18% denser than fat, and I ignore the BMI scale as I've got a large frame, am 5'11" and am muscular, but I could now make a rugby prop seem like a lightweight!!

I've been training 5-6 days a week since January this year for at least an hour, mostly Spin and Body Combat/Boxercise, and also complement these with Body Pump 2-3 times a week as well. My fitness levels have really improved over the past year, and I've dropped 2 dress sizes. I eat healthily 90% of the time, with lots of protein.

I only weighed myself so I could update my HRM to get a more accurate calorie reading - I'm just shocked that I've put on more than a stone of what can only be muscle. How is this possible?? I was so happy about my fitness levels and strength (and the fat loss) and now I'm feeling gutted!! :'(:'(

Should I just ignore my weight, or is there anything I should do to reduce it whilst still maintaining my strength and fitness levels?

Thanks for your help! :):)
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Replies

  • _Zardoz_
    _Zardoz_ Posts: 3,987 Member
    Every scale will show a slightly different weight for many reasons. To get a consistent guide you need to be weighing yourself at the same time on the same scales in the same place. That way you can use that as a baseline
  • elinnicholson
    elinnicholson Posts: 5 Member
    I don't ever want to step on another set of scales ever again!!

    I hear what you're saying, but 3 different scales, stepped on multiple times, all saying the same weight give or take a couple of pounds... so I believe what they're saying. Unfortunately :(

    Thanks for your reply, I'm grateful for your advice :)
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    you're 2-3 dress sizes smaller than you used to be, but a plastic box with a random number on (which means nothing) made you cry?

    i dont get it?
  • leesyc81
    leesyc81 Posts: 52 Member
    On the plus side muscle burns more calories than fat, so continue as u are and u will be a fat burning machine :-) that's my goal.
  • blueboxgeek
    blueboxgeek Posts: 574 Member
    you're 2-3 dress sizes smaller than you used to be, but a plastic box with a random number on (which means nothing) made you cry?

    i dont get it?

    ^^ this^^ You are 2-3 dress sizes smaller, sounds like you have a great exercise routine going so you are getting fit and healthy. I'd throw the scales in the bin!
  • elinnicholson
    elinnicholson Posts: 5 Member
    Thanks guys, but the amount I now weigh is HUGE!! Don't really want to write how much on a public forum, but it's a BIG number. Feel like a heavyweight :( Will this muscle weight gain increase as my fat loss continues?
  • cafeaulait7
    cafeaulait7 Posts: 2,459 Member
    You've probably put on the vast majority of muscle that you will put on (ever, kind of). It gets harder to put on more muscle after the first year or so, and then it gets increasingly hard. I can imagine the number. I know my number with my workout muscle on and I'm nearly 6 inches shorter than you are :D

    Don't worry about the number, though. Your dress size is what you like, and nobody knows you're denser than average, lol. You're a brick house; it's a good thing!

    You can stop adding progressive weight and you'll stay where you are as far as strength and mass go if you're really worried. Don't stop doing it, but you don't have to always increase the weights you do now.
  • sijomial
    sijomial Posts: 19,809 Member
    My fitness levels have really improved over the past year, and I've dropped 2 dress sizes.

    So happy about my fitness levels and strength (and the fat loss).
    ^^^^ The good news ^^^^
    Should I just ignore my weight?
    Erm..... YES!!
  • TavistockToad
    TavistockToad Posts: 35,719 Member
    Thanks guys, but the amount I now weigh is HUGE!! Don't really want to write how much on a public forum, but it's a BIG number. Feel like a heavyweight :( Will this muscle weight gain increase as my fat loss continues?

    IT DOESNT MATTER

    stand in front of the mirror in your underwear.... there's your measure... how you feel is all that matters, a number, however 'big' or small, means nothing.

    sounds like you have made great progress so far, so carry on doing what you're doing til you get to the bodyfat level that you want... thats all you have to do...
  • HealthyVitamins
    HealthyVitamins Posts: 432 Member
    So would you rather be 2 dress sizes bigger but a stone lighter?

    Or a stone heavier and 2 dress sizes smaller?
  • jimmmer
    jimmmer Posts: 3,515 Member
    I only weighed myself so I could update my HRM to get a more accurate calorie reading - I'm just shocked that I've put on more than a stone of what can only be muscle. How is this possible?? I was so happy about my fitness levels and strength (and the fat loss) and now I'm feeling gutted!! :'(:'(

    So you were totally happy with your fitness level, strength and body composition until you saw an arbitrary number on a device that nobody else will ever see?

    What was the question again?

    Also, it won't all be muscle. It'll be increased glycogen stores, extra water, bone density.

    You've got to come to terms with why you are so attached to a specific number on a scale. When you've sorted that out, you can be happy with how awesome you've become :)
  • EvgeniZyntx
    EvgeniZyntx Posts: 24,208 Member
    First off, you did not put on 14 lbs of muscle since January. Some of that will be random variation due to water, food, glycogen storage ...

    Second, if you are going to weigh - do it consistently so that you can use it for tracking.

    But most important, if you've gotten better by all the measures you consider important then toss the scale.
    Now go rule the world.
  • Poods71
    Poods71 Posts: 502 Member
    I can imagine how disheartening it must be to see a stone on since the last time you weighed but, trust me, I would swap places with you in a second. I would happily put weight on to lose dress sizes and be fit and toned. Forget the scales and, as someone else suggested, look in the mirror.
  • rotill
    rotill Posts: 244 Member
    You weighed yourself in the gym at night.

    Despite the evidence of your clothes and eyes, you feel like you have gained weight, because of you weighed more than you used to, at one instance (although three different scales).

    When I work out, I gain weight. Through-out the day, I gain weight. It is all about what I eat, what I drink, what I do. Sometimes that weight is gone the next morning (when I am watching my weight I check it everyday, in the morning, before eating but after going to the bathroom - this for as much consistency as I can.) Sometimes it takes two days of rest to lose it. Sometimes I have to change my diet for a few days (low-carb normally does it for me).

    With your amount of working out, you are keeping your body constantly working to heal your growing muscle mass. This is NOT A bad thing. It's just a thing. However, when you step on a scale, you will measure the amount of water your body is retaining in this process, as well as the weight of the denser musculature. My weight can vary as much as 3 kilos over a week-end, if I have been doing all the wrong things (alcohol, lots of carbs, exhausting workouts, stress).

    What I am saying is: Don't panic. If the scale does this to you, stop using it, and get a measuring tape instead. Alternatively, get your own scale, use it at the same time every day, track your weight and register the variations. Then panic when the scale and your measuring tape BOTH tell you that you're gaining weight. Then it's probably time to either check your diet for allergies or hidden calories, or to go see a doctor and figure out if your metabolism may be screwed up. I gained my original over-weight through hypothyroidism. Working out doesn't work for me. I get more fit and stronger (which is great), but it doesn't affect my metabolism, which is totally dependent on medication. It sucks, but if that's your problem, a doctor can help.

    Losing weight is a slow and constant process, and sometimes you need help with it, from professionals. That is not failure. Good luck.
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    you're 2-3 dress sizes smaller than you used to be, but a plastic box with a random number on (which means nothing) made you cry?

    i dont get it?

    ^^^^ this.

    you're 2-3 dress sizes smaller now. scale weight *seriously* does not matter!! What counts for more: health and vitality or the number on the scale? Your health and vitality has improved a lot. You fit into clothes 2-3 sizes smaller, you've clearly drastically improved your body fat percentage, your bone density is probably a lot greater, meaning you have reduced your risk of osteoporosis and your general health will be much better for all these positive changes. *don't* let a silly number on the scale blind you to how much you've improved your health and body composition!!! Screw the scale, it's an idiot.

    Also, re large frame... if you have a large frame you'll be heavier than average for your height when your body fat percentage is in the healthy range. Trying to be the same weight as someone with an average or small frame is putting yourself on course for bad physical and mental health. And it's genetic. A tall person can expect to be heavier than a short person, and someone with wide shoulders and ribs (as in the bone structure) can expect to be heavier than someone with narrow shoulders and ribs. if your body fat percentage is in the healthy range, then you are healthy and where you should be, no matter what the scale says. And people should base their goals on body fat percentage rather than weight, because BMI charts don't take frame size into account and it varies a lot more than people realise. (and it's not just because of large framed people being told they're overweight when they're not, it's also because a lot of sedentary, small and average framed people who eat a poor diet and don't exercise are told by BMI that they're in the healthy range when their body fat percentage is in the obese range. Being within a particular weight range does not automatically mean you or your body composition is healthy!!)
  • AnexRavensong
    AnexRavensong Posts: 262 Member
    Screw the scale. To be honest I have been seeing my weight go up too, but I start seeing my ribs and my clothes get smaller. That's why I wish that sites like MFP and RunKeeper etc had an option to track FAT LOSS instead of weight loss (or just weight loss, as some will need to track their weight).

    We're all obsessed with the wrong number. Muscle weighs more, but muscle is healthier than fat, so why do we want to punish it?
  • castadiva
    castadiva Posts: 2,016 Member
    Focus on the number on the size tags of your clothes, consult your measuring tape, and a body-composition assessment if you can get a decent one where you are, and IGNORE the number on the scale. In light of your other achievementsand indications of success, it is irrelevant.

    I can understand your frustration and misery, because you thought you were 'losing weight', but you need to detach from the scale number - it's not a good indication of either success or health, in your case.
  • lauren3101
    lauren3101 Posts: 1,853 Member
    you're 2-3 dress sizes smaller than you used to be, but a plastic box with a random number on (which means nothing) made you cry?

    i dont get it?

    This.

    Do you carry a sign around with your weight on it so everyone can see? No? Then why on earth do you care?
    Thanks guys, but the amount I now weigh is HUGE!! Don't really want to write how much on a public forum, but it's a BIG number. Feel like a heavyweight :( Will this muscle weight gain increase as my fat loss continues?

    In all honesty, I'm sure your weight is nothing that we haven't seen before on here. Throw the scale out - your relationship with it is not healthy.
  • elinnicholson
    elinnicholson Posts: 5 Member
    You guys are AWESOME and talk some serious sense. Thank you so much, all of you, for all your input, feel so much better now. A thousand cuddles for you all!! :):)
  • kitticus15
    kitticus15 Posts: 152 Member
    It seems to me that weight numbers are just part of a money making industry, bmi is not fit for purpose, a well toned fit healthy person will have a high bmi due to the muscle and skeleton density, when humans appeared on the earth they did not appear with a pair of scales, in the same respect when a baby is born you do not give birth to a baby and a set of scales...

    Its a societal thing, ignore the nonsense of "you should weigh x for y to happen" if you feel fit and healthy and like what you see, just live and enjoy :)
  • skinnyinnotime
    skinnyinnotime Posts: 4,078 Member
    you're 2-3 dress sizes smaller than you used to be, but a plastic box with a random number on (which means nothing) made you cry?

    i dont get it?

    Same.

    If you're happy with how you look and you're actually alot smaller, what does it matter what the scale says?!
  • S3r3knitty
    S3r3knitty Posts: 159 Member
    I just want to show you a post of one MFP member which will show you that sometimes the wage does not matter.
    Look at the pictures of Lorinalynn in this thread at the end of the page: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/1070278-strength-training-suggestions-for-pear-shaped-female?page=2
    She weighed 130lbs in 2011 and after weights 143lbs in 2013. That's a 13lbs gain but look at her you can see that gain clearly came from body recomposition.

    EDIT: not sure if it is possible to link directly to a post
  • Myhaloslipped
    Myhaloslipped Posts: 4,317 Member
    Lifting and strength training have some crazy results. I recall pumpkins being pretty heavy every year, but when I picked one up at the market yesterday, it felt so freaking light that I couldn't believe it! And this was a pretty large pumpkin. I love moments like this. They make me less angry at the scale.
  • suzyfj8
    suzyfj8 Posts: 257 Member
    You need to weigh yourself with just one scale, and compare if you have gained a stone or if its just a difference between the scales, and you have dropped 2-3 dress sizes which is incredible, so I think it is probably muscle mass and you should be so proud of yourself! Keep up the amazing work, and concentrate on how you feel and what your body looks like, don't worry about the number on the scale!
  • annakow
    annakow Posts: 385 Member
    congrats on 2 sizes down! :)
  • scruffykaz
    scruffykaz Posts: 317 Member
    Thanks guys, but the amount I now weigh is HUGE!! Don't really want to write how much on a public forum, but it's a BIG number. Feel like a heavyweight :( Will this muscle weight gain increase as my fat loss continues?

    bet you don't weigh as much as me!
  • SmartBlogz
    SmartBlogz Posts: 37
    Maybe you should watch what you eat? If that makes any sense of course. :-)
  • Flissbo
    Flissbo Posts: 302 Member
    Sounds like you are doing great - well done! Don't worry about a number on a scale, no one knows it but you!! But other people will be able to see that you look 2 sizes smaller! Did you take before and after pics? If so why not have a look at them and remind yourself just how much you've achieved. My cousin was shocked when I told her how much I weigh, she thought I looked about 14 lb less than I am, so it really is just a number ;) Try not to let it get to you (hard I know) :flowerforyou:
  • elinnicholson
    elinnicholson Posts: 5 Member
    Aww, thanks guys. I'm really touched that you've spent the time answering my questions and helping me engage the logical part of my brain rather than crying over a meaningless number!! :) Hope that I can return the favour to you all at some point in the future! Thanks again for your lovely words, E xx
  • leooftheyear
    leooftheyear Posts: 429 Member
    Honestly, I base everything on how much better I look and feel than I did a year ago, I do weigh myself consistently to keep myself eating healthy; however, that isn't by any means the only consideration in terms of how fit you are... Be honest with yourself and look at pictures from last year/previous years and think about how you felt then, and look at yourself now and think about how much better you feel... Weight is just a number, and you can easily become obsessed with it, but it's not worth it, as long as you feel good and are eating right and exercising.... Weight is just a number

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