Scales say no weight gain but I look fatter?

The scale isn't always the most accurate measurement of progress. You could measure yourself with measuring tape to track your progress.

Just a side note: everyone needs strength training/resistance training, cardio and flexibility in their routine. Strength and resistance training is especially important to maintain muscle and bone health. We lose a % of muscle mass each year (this is where the "if you don't use it, you lose it" phrase comes from). As women (and for men) it's important to strength/resistance train to maintain bone mass as well - to prevent osteoporosis. So, no one is saying you have to lift heavy or lift a LOT, it's just recommended just do some exercises to prevent other health issues from happening in the future.

Thank you for the advice

But everyone keeps mis-reading this question!

I only wanted to know if anyone else has experience this with the scales not changing but their body changing. I am still waiting for someone to reply to my question XD

Yes, I've experienced this. My weight has maintained, but I can tell I've put on more muscle. I can flex and actually SEE the muscle. My clothing fits better because I am losing INCHES rather than weight. This is where the tape measure is helpful to track progress.

So my weight has stayed the same for the past month. Not ever going above 8 stone (really annoying!)

Yet when I look in the mirror and put my clothes on they same to fit better then they use to and my hip bones are no where near as visible as they was before.

Same with my spine/ribs. Now I have to breathe in to see them whereas before they were quite visible.

Has anyone else experienced this? Where the scales say you haven't gained a pound but you look like you have? Even family members have said I am looking better in myself. I actually have a belly now!

Or could it be I have really rubbish scales? XD

EDIT: I think everyone is mis-reading this.

I want to know if anyone else has experienced this. I am looking for replies regarding this. Thanks

Maybe you're knocked up.:smokin:

I cant have children.....

But its always fun to try!

Is it possible that you have blood sugar issues? Increased blood sugar can cause muscle wasting. (And, yes, years ago that did happen to me). Because your muscle is wasting away, it is replaced with fat which looks bigger at the same weight. So size goes up, weight doesn't.

Muscle weighs more than fat.

Nope, it doesn't. A pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat. BUT muscle IS more dense, so you can fit more in a small amount of space, therefore it may increase your weight with the more muscle you put on Muscle is pretty awesome.

Only the OP has the opposite thing happening. Which seems to be what she wants.

Is it possible that you have blood sugar issues? Increased blood sugar can cause muscle wasting. (And, yes, years ago that did happen to me). Because your muscle is wasting away, it is replaced with fat which looks bigger at the same weight. So size goes up, weight doesn't.

I have had my blood suger levels tested et (as well as metabolism and what not)

All came back normal

is there any way to test your body fat percentage? so I can check to see if it IS replacing muscle?

No need. It's not.

I have experienced this so I have learned to put the scale away and take measurements instead. Sometimes I have weighted more and looked better in my clothes... when I have done strength training, and I have weighted less and looked very out of shape so don't bother with the scale.

Taking measurements while you're gaining can be very helpful, because the way you look and feel is very subjective. Your clothes can feel tighter or looser from day to day, and you can definitely trick your eyes into seeing different things in the mirror. Assuming that you take consistent measurements, in the same exact place, in the same state (i.e., flexed/unflexed), the tape measure isn't going to lie.

How do I take measurements? Would it be measuring my thighs hips stomach and bust? (I have never measured myself before so haven't a clue where to start)

Here's a good general guide. For arms and thighs, measure X" down from the top of your shoulder and down from your hipbone, or X" up from your elbow or knee, whatever works best for you. The important part is to make sure you're measuring consistently in the same spot every time, or you will get very different measurements from one month to the next that won't accurately reflect what your body is doing.

Bust: Measure all the way around your bust and back on the line of your nipples.
Waist: Measure at its narrowest point width-wise, usually just above the navel.
Hips: Measure around the widest part of the hipbones.
Thighs: Measure around fullest part of upper leg while standing
Calves: Measure around fullest part.
Upper arm: Measure around fullest part.

Thank you I will have to get myself a flexible tape measure. Is it best to breath in or out when measuring? Or just keep as calm as possible to avoid movement? I have seen woman measure their stomachs before and they always seem to breathe in

I wouldn't breathe in, because I can change my waist size a LOT just by sucking in. I flex my stomach muscles a little, sort of like what you would do if someone were about to punch you in the stomach (I hope that makes sense, because it sounds majorly weird!). For me, that seems to reduce any variation, both related to breathing and related to how tight I can pull the tape measure.

I'm suggesting that you take measurements is because it's so easy to see what you want or don't want to see in the mirror, rather than what actually is there. If I know I'm trying to gain weight and have been eating more, I can easily "see" an extra 5-10 pounds on myself, but that doesn't accurately reflect the real, physical size of my body. The more good data you can collect, the less your perceptions factor into your decision making.

Most likely you are building muscle