Fitbit calories just not adding up

Tobysgirl212
Tobysgirl212 Posts: 27 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
Since getting a Fitbit Jan. 15 and becoming a ton more active, I noticed it hasn't made a difference in my rate of loss at all. Look at the graph below at Jan 15 when I started using it, burning an average of 2,100 calories a day. For the time being I haven't been eating back my exercise calories, but average consumption is 1,300 over the last 4 weeks. This should be a 800 cal deficit (I weigh everything, including my sriracha sauce!). I have MFP set to "sedentary" and 1 lb per week loss. I have less than 5 lbs to lose and am lean, so maybe this is the problem. Still, isn't it surprising that adding in significant cardio and walking didn't change the trend line at all? I know, I should just be happy that there's a downward trend, and maybe that's what you'll tell me. But if you have any advice or insight beyond that I would appreciate it. I like exercising but it's a bit demoralizing that it doesn't seem to burn calories! I'm not a unicorn--CICO right?
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Replies

  • CyberTone
    CyberTone Posts: 7,337 Member
    Your chart looks very normal, considering you are 5 pounds to your goal.

    I experienced 10, 15 and then 20 day mini-stalls as I got closer to my goal range. I just kept up with a consistent caloric deficit and the weight loss eventually showed up on the scale.

    j6xcilwdbr2y.jpg

  • kiara1066
    kiara1066 Posts: 119 Member
    Looks like you lost 2 pounds great job! Since you have less than 5 pounds to lose and you are already working out. I have been reading some threads where people started to increase their calorie eaten eating back 30-50% of their calories back might be helpful for you as well. I would take my time on the 5 pounds and instead set your goal on MFP to lose 0.5 pounds and I will give you a higher amount of calories you can have. See if that works you might be eating only a little since you're also working out right now. Best of luck to you! And also consider seeing a dietician who can give you more insight.
  • kiara1066
    kiara1066 Posts: 119 Member
    I also have a Fitbit I want to add the 2100 calorie burns is for the whole day we burn calories as we sit, and even sleep so Fitbit takes that into consideration. I mostly just track the walking and excercise and eat back half of my calories I have lost 12 pounds so far.
  • maxit
    maxit Posts: 880 Member
    edited January 2016
    Bodies are complicated mechanisms. Scale weight is a factor of both body mass and what happens to be busy digesting inside of it at the same time, plus water. As long as you have a downward trend, are adequately nourished, and feel OK, just keep doing what you are doing.

    Edit to add this thought - all of the numbers for CI/CO are estimates. You may be very good at estimating, but either or both sides of the equation might be off.
  • scolaris
    scolaris Posts: 2,145 Member
    edited January 2016
    You are not going to lose that fast at that end of the weight loss spectrum. You have to be content with a slower fine tuning.
  • Christine_72
    Christine_72 Posts: 16,049 Member
    I think your trend line looks beautiful. Mine looks more like a Rabbid deformed dogs leg :confounded:
  • Tobysgirl212
    Tobysgirl212 Posts: 27 Member
    Thanks for all of your support and suggestions. I guess at the end of the day, the scale doesn't lie and these calories are just estimates. Best to stay the course and not get too impatient :smiley:
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