Time for results to be seen

david2133
david2133 Posts: 58
in Health and Weight Loss
I just started losing weight last week. I know this question may have been asked many times before, but how long until one observes results in fat loss? I'm what many would call skinny fat, I have a normal BMI (23.1) but have quite a lot of fat especially on my abdomen and chest. I can see the outline of my abs despite being quite fat which gave me motivation to lose weight as I thought if I lost about 10lbs, they'll probably be much clearer. Also, I heard people who are already not overweight notice notice results earlier but also heard those who are of a normal weight, lose less weight. I'm currently at day 6 of my diet and lost about 2lbs. I've noticed no change as of yet (I'm not expecting any) so when will I see it? I'm asking this purely because I'm wanting to have a target to work towards. If I think I'm dieting with no results, it will demotivate me.

Thanks
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Replies

  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    Personally sounds like you need 3 things:
    1) small calorie deficit (half a lb a week or so)
    2) weight lifting
    3) patience

    It's hard to say when you will see results. My guess would be a month or two down the road. Since your already at a healthy weight and are mentioning a "skinny fat" look, than you should really start lifting weights. Maybe try a program like Stronglifts 5x5.
  • Branstin
    Branstin Posts: 2,320 Member
    I agree with the above. If you push your body too much, it will push back. You have just started, therefore, you should allow nature to take its course. Make sure to track all of your activities (food, exercise, water, & measurements) as accurately as possible.
  • david2133
    david2133 Posts: 58
    I keep hearing that weight lifting doesn't make one lose weight but just tones/builds muscle which would be redundant if there's fat covering them? Also, when I said I was skinny fat, I do have some muscle definition in my legs and arms (and abs to an extent). Is there a universal time for result being noticed?
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    What makes someone skinny-fat is an overly restricted diet where they end up losing muscle along with fat. To avoid this eat a small deficit with high protein content and include regular weightlifting. Alternatively since you arent at health risk at your current BMI you could eat at a small surplus and do a heavy lift routine to build muscle for a while that will aid you in a future diet to lose the last of unseemly fat.

    Either way its a long road to the result you want and trying to shortcut it wont result in success.
  • lorigrocks
    lorigrocks Posts: 123 Member
    I was the same...when I started working out 3 times per week and eating healthy I lost 2lbs the first week. As from the start of my diet I don't have alot to lose...my goal is 13lbs. I have been working out and eating healthy for 7 weeks now and I have lost 9.5 pounds. My husband told me last week that he just noticed last week that my face is thinner. So it took a while for it to be noticeable. I have only noticed it with my pants as they are starting to get a bit baggy in certain areas. But I do have way more energy and really do feel very healthy overall much more than I did before..so keep it up and you will see results very soon :-)
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    Is there a universal time for result being noticed?

    No it is entirely subjective and dependent on your effort and how far you have to go. Going from skinny-fat to muscular and trim will likely take years. I mean that is what I am expecting my own goals to take.
  • david2133
    david2133 Posts: 58
    What exactly is skinny fat? I don't know if I am or not? I have a normal BMI but am still fat yet don't appear skinny.
  • Rainboots80
    Rainboots80 Posts: 218 Member
    My weight loss did not show until I dropped 30 pounds.
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    What exactly is skinny fat? I don't know if I am or not? I have a normal BMI but am still fat yet don't appear skinny.

    You refered to yourself as being skinny-fat I was just cueing off what you said.
  • david2133
    david2133 Posts: 58
    My weight loss did not show until I dropped 30 pounds.

    How much above your target weight were you?
  • missdibs1
    missdibs1 Posts: 1,092 Member
    I just started losing weight last week. I know this question may have been asked many times before, but how long until one observes results in fat loss? I'm what many would call skinny fat, I have a normal BMI (23.1) but have quite a lot of fat especially on my abdomen and chest. I can see the outline of my abs despite being quite fat which gave me motivation to lose weight as I thought if I lost about 10lbs, they'll probably be much clearer. Also, I heard people who are already not overweight notice notice results earlier but also heard those who are of a normal weight, lose less weight. I'm currently at day 6 of my diet and lost about 2lbs. I've noticed no change as of yet (I'm not expecting any) so when will I see it? I'm asking this purely because I'm wanting to have a target to work towards. If I think I'm dieting with no results, it will demotivate me.

    Thanks

    Hmmmmm My weight goes up and down to the point I hate the scale My focus is on body comp 100% My goal 20% BF I want all of my hard work to finally show Do not let the scale motivate you Use the mirror
  • Samby_v1
    Samby_v1 Posts: 202 Member
    I just started losing weight last week. I know this question may have been asked many times before, but how long until one observes results in fat loss? I'm what many would call skinny fat, I have a normal BMI (23.1) but have quite a lot of fat especially on my abdomen and chest. I can see the outline of my abs despite being quite fat which gave me motivation to lose weight as I thought if I lost about 10lbs, they'll probably be much clearer. Also, I heard people who are already not overweight notice notice results earlier but also heard those who are of a normal weight, lose less weight. I'm currently at day 6 of my diet and lost about 2lbs. I've noticed no change as of yet (I'm not expecting any) so when will I see it? I'm asking this purely because I'm wanting to have a target to work towards. If I think I'm dieting with no results, it will demotivate me.

    Thanks

    Hmmmmm My weight goes up and down to the point I hate the scale My focus is on body comp 100% My goal 20% BF I want all of my hard work to finally show Do not let the scale motivate you Use the mirror

    Hello weight loss twin! I'm having exactly[i/] the same experience as you with the scale, and my goal is also 20% BF...
  • Samby_v1
    Samby_v1 Posts: 202 Member
    I just started losing weight last week. I know this question may have been asked many times before, but how long until one observes results in fat loss? I'm what many would call skinny fat, I have a normal BMI (23.1) but have quite a lot of fat especially on my abdomen and chest. I can see the outline of my abs despite being quite fat which gave me motivation to lose weight as I thought if I lost about 10lbs, they'll probably be much clearer. Also, I heard people who are already not overweight notice notice results earlier but also heard those who are of a normal weight, lose less weight. I'm currently at day 6 of my diet and lost about 2lbs. I've noticed no change as of yet (I'm not expecting any) so when will I see it? I'm asking this purely because I'm wanting to have a target to work towards. If I think I'm dieting with no results, it will demotivate me.

    Thanks

    Hmmmmm My weight goes up and down to the point I hate the scale My focus is on body comp 100% My goal 20% BF I want all of my hard work to finally show Do not let the scale motivate you Use the mirror

    Hello weight loss twin! I'm having exactly the same experience as you with the scale, and my goal is also 20% BF...
  • nikki2609
    nikki2609 Posts: 128
    What exactly is skinny fat? I don't know if I am or not? I have a normal BMI but am still fat yet don't appear skinny.

    Hiya, I'm 5"2, 127lbs, uk clothes size 8/10.
    I recently started working with a personal trainer who took my measurements for body fat % & it came in at a whopping 31%!!! Disgusted much?? Hell yeah! I have a lot of hard work ahead of me.
    That is skinny fat :0(
  • david2133
    david2133 Posts: 58
    What exactly is skinny fat? I don't know if I am or not? I have a normal BMI but am still fat yet don't appear skinny.

    Hiya, I'm 5"2, 127lbs, uk clothes size 8/10.
    I recently started working with a personal trainer who took my measurements for body fat % & it came in at a whopping 33%!!! Disgusted much?? Hell yeah! I have a lot of hard work ahead of me.
    That is skinny fat :0(

    Oh, I'm sure I'm not that high. Is there a way to calculate BF% at home?
  • knra_grl
    knra_grl Posts: 1,566 Member
    I personally don't notice my loss when I look at myself - but I do notice it in the way my clothes fit and last week I measured for the first time since I started so there is a difference - we are our own worst critics so we won't see what others do as we progress in our weight loss - stick to your program and it will come - :flowerforyou:

    Edit - you may want to add some more strength training to your exercise - heavier lifting perhaps?
  • nisku98
    nisku98 Posts: 2 Member
    I also am not over weight but would like to lose about 10 pounds to get rid if some of the fatty tissue in the lower abdominal area associated with getting older, having kids etc. I started doing Zumba about a year ago and did not change my diet at all. I noticed after a few months a definite redistribution of muscle and fat. People commented that I had lost weight when I hadn't. All in all I am very pleased with the results. I have just started the my fitness pal with a couple pound loss just to get those stubborn 10 pounds off. I am hoping to get to my goal in a couple of months. Exercise is key because I find it difficult to stay with a 1200-1300 calorie diet. Exercise allows me to eat at least 1500-1600 calories a day which I find easily satisfying.
  • david2133
    david2133 Posts: 58
    I heard that men store most of their body fat on their belly. Since it's the belly and chest that's mostly where I'd like to lose, would these areas be the first to lose fat?
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    I keep hearing that weight lifting doesn't make one lose weight but just tones/builds muscle which would be redundant if there's fat covering them?

    False.
    Weightlifting with a small deficit helps to cut fat and reveal the existing muscle under the fat.

    Building muscle (other than noobie gains) requires you to eat at a calorie surplus.
  • zoeysasha37
    zoeysasha37 Posts: 7,088 Member
    I think you just need to be patient. A week or two isn't enough time to see much as far as results.
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    I heard that men store most of their body fat on their belly. Since it's the belly and chest that's mostly where I'd like to lose, would these areas be the first to lose fat?

    Actually, most people store the most fat around their abdomen. This is also usually the last place fat is lost from. With time and patience it can be done.
  • david2133
    david2133 Posts: 58
    Ok, I've just been on
    http://www.fat2fittools.com/tools/mbf/
    it's been recommended by many on here.
    It came up as 19.9% Body fat. If I'm 5ft8in and 154lbs, am I skinny fat?
  • shadow2soul
    shadow2soul Posts: 7,692 Member
    Ok, I've just been on
    http://www.fat2fittools.com/tools/mbf/
    it's been recommended by many on here.
    It came up as 19.9% Body fat. If I'm 5ft8in and 154lbs, am I skinny fat?

    If it's accurate, then no. The term skinny fat refers to someone who has a normal BMI but has an overweight/obese BF%. The best way to measure BF% at home is with a body fat Calipers.
  • nikki2609
    nikki2609 Posts: 128
    What exactly is skinny fat? I don't know if I am or not? I have a normal BMI but am still fat yet don't appear skinny.

    Hiya, I'm 5"2, 127lbs, uk clothes size 8/10.
    I recently started working with a personal trainer who took my measurements for body fat % & it came in at a whopping 33%!!! Disgusted much?? Hell yeah! I have a lot of hard work ahead of me.
    That is skinny fat :0(

    I too didn't think I was that high, I've measured many ways previous to this professional skin fold caliper measurement, using

    Oh, I'm sure I'm not that high. Is there a way to calculate BF% at home?

    I too didn't think I was that high until professionally measured with calipers, 3 weeks ago I wouldn't have believed you if you told me but after discussing it I now totally believe I can be that %. To look at me I look slim unless you know what you're looking for (which now I do)
    I'd previously tried body fat scales, cheap calipers from Amazon and measuring & plotting on various websites only to get many varied results.
    I don't like it but I put it on me so only I can take it off!

    Edit....31% not 33!!
    I measured on 'fat2fit' to and came in at 25% only a week or so before the 31%
  • adorable_aly
    adorable_aly Posts: 398 Member
    In answer to your question you'll need at least a couple of months, potentially much longer. You will need to take progress pictures so you can see the changes and take measurements. You need to lift heavy and get adequate protein, otherwise you'll lose the 10lbs and look the same as you do now.
  • OkamiLavande
    OkamiLavande Posts: 336 Member
    Quick question since everyone is talking about BF% - Where can you professionally have your BF% checked?
  • david2133
    david2133 Posts: 58
    I don't have time for the gym at the moment. Would a combination of pressups, tricep dips, situps, crunches, static holds and other home exercises be sufficient (and putting on something like a backpack to add resistance) for toning up whilst losing fat?

    Also, I found a set of cheap calipers on Ebay:
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BODY-FAT-CALIPERS-TESTER-INCLUDES-INSTRUCTIONS-BODY-FAT-CHARTS-FAT-MEASURE-NEW-/271182163017?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Dieting_Slimming_ET&hash=item3f23b76c49

    I've read reviews elsewhere saying they're flimsy, they do look it but still accurate. Are these worth buying or should I invest in more expensive ones? I've seen these ones used professionally.
  • nikki2609
    nikki2609 Posts: 128
    I don't have time for the gym at the moment. Would a combination of pressups, tricep dips, situps, crunches, static holds and other home exercises be sufficient (and putting on something like a backpack to add resistance) for toning up whilst losing fat?

    Also, I found a set of cheap calipers on Ebay:
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BODY-FAT-CALIPERS-TESTER-INCLUDES-INSTRUCTIONS-BODY-FAT-CHARTS-FAT-MEASURE-NEW-/271182163017?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Dieting_Slimming_ET&hash=item3f23b76c49

    I've read reviews elsewhere saying they're flimsy, they do look it but still accurate. Are these worth buying or should I invest in more expensive ones? I've seen these ones used professionally.

    Those are the exact calipers I bought, cheap & cheerful but not accurate.
    My PT has me doing a lot of body weight exercises exactly like you mentioned. Also using TRX suspension training which I love! So much I am going to invest in a set.
    You sound like you know what you need to do, if you want any extra help just friend request & I'll try my best.
    Good luck
  • missdibs1
    missdibs1 Posts: 1,092 Member
    I just started losing weight last week. I know this question may have been asked many times before, but how long until one observes results in fat loss? I'm what many would call skinny fat, I have a normal BMI (23.1) but have quite a lot of fat especially on my abdomen and chest. I can see the outline of my abs despite being quite fat which gave me motivation to lose weight as I thought if I lost about 10lbs, they'll probably be much clearer. Also, I heard people who are already not overweight notice notice results earlier but also heard those who are of a normal weight, lose less weight. I'm currently at day 6 of my diet and lost about 2lbs. I've noticed no change as of yet (I'm not expecting any) so when will I see it? I'm asking this purely because I'm wanting to have a target to work towards. If I think I'm dieting with no results, it will demotivate me.

    Thanks

    Hmmmmm My weight goes up and down to the point I hate the scale My focus is on body comp 100% My goal 20% BF I want all of my hard work to finally show Do not let the scale motivate you Use the mirror

    Hello weight loss twin! I'm having exactly the same experience as you with the scale, and my goal is also 20% BF...


    Hello My twin!
  • david2133
    david2133 Posts: 58
    I don't have time for the gym at the moment. Would a combination of pressups, tricep dips, situps, crunches, static holds and other home exercises be sufficient (and putting on something like a backpack to add resistance) for toning up whilst losing fat?

    Also, I found a set of cheap calipers on Ebay:
    http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BODY-FAT-CALIPERS-TESTER-INCLUDES-INSTRUCTIONS-BODY-FAT-CHARTS-FAT-MEASURE-NEW-/271182163017?pt=UK_Health_Beauty_Dieting_Slimming_ET&hash=item3f23b76c49

    I've read reviews elsewhere saying they're flimsy, they do look it but still accurate. Are these worth buying or should I invest in more expensive ones? I've seen these ones used professionally.

    Those are the exact calipers I bought, cheap & cheerful but not accurate.
    My PT has me doing a lot of body weight exercises exactly like you mentioned. Also using TRX suspension training which I love! So much I am going to invest in a set.
    You sound like you know what you need to do, if you want any extra help just friend request & I'll try my best.
    Good luck

    Which ones are accurate?

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