5'2 stuck at 127lbs, plateau for 4 weeks now

Shaylyn1986
Shaylyn1986 Posts: 164 Member
edited November 13 in Health and Weight Loss
Need a little help here if anyone has advice-

I hit my initial goal weight of 125.5 on 11/18 and have not seen a loss since; only a 2lb gain. I had my period after thanksgiving so I assumed the 2lbs was from that or the thanksgiving day off-plan foods, however it has not gone back down to 125 in 4 weeks.

The past 2 weeks I've been extremely strict, tracking every single piece of food on MFP. My bf and I like to go to dinner at least one night on the weekends and I've skipped that for 2 weeks now trying to figure out the issue.

I've been practicing IF for 8 months on a 16:8 schedule and eat only 1200cal a day. I'm concerned that the scale has not changed in 4 weeks and especially these last two weeks of strict 1200cal a day with one full day of a 24hr fast. The deficit should have moved the scale at least a little bit.

The lack of progress is also starting to mentally drag me down now that is is hitting a 3rd weekend where I can't enjoy a dinner out.

Any help or suggestions would be appreciated especially if you're short with the same goal of 115.

Thanks for listening~
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Replies

  • shanae727
    shanae727 Posts: 546 Member
    There are so many variables that could be the reason. Water weight following your carbs and/or estrogen from your cycle. Have you added supplements? Or your macros changed?

    So it's hard to pinpoint but I'd try switching something up. Add 100-150 calories and an extra 30 minutes of cardio or weight training.

    I don't know your regimen to really give exact advice but try changing up something.

    I'm not short just an ex-trainer and fitness enthusiast
  • Shaylyn1986
    Shaylyn1986 Posts: 164 Member
    Thank you for your advice. I thought my one full day 24hr fast would help but it didn't do anything. :(

    I don't take any supplements, only my multivitamin, biotin, and viactive chew. Do you recommend any?

    I haven't paid attention to macros as much as I could have during my weight loss. I went from almost 200lbs down to 127 but perhaps I need to focus on it even more now.
  • rascan001
    rascan001 Posts: 2 Member
    I'm so glad you posted this - I'm having the exact same problem! Hit my goal weight, so I relaxed on the counting for a while, and now that I'm back to it, I'm not losing anything else. The disappointment of it is the worst.

    One thing to consider if you're working out is that you might be gaining muscle. I read that one poster uses the fit from dress and a pair of pants to really see how much her body is actually changing.
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    https://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/10155495/just-another-plateau-and-weigh-in-thread/p1
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    Shaylyn1986 wrote: »
    Need a little help here if anyone has advice-

    I hit my initial goal weight of 125.5 on 11/18 and have not seen a loss since; only a 2lb gain. I had my period after thanksgiving so I assumed the 2lbs was from that or the thanksgiving day off-plan foods, however it has not gone back down to 125 in 4 weeks.

    The past 2 weeks I've been extremely strict, tracking every single piece of food on MFP. My bf and I like to go to dinner at least one night on the weekends and I've skipped that for 2 weeks now trying to figure out the issue.

    I've been practicing IF for 8 months on a 16:8 schedule and eat only 1200cal a day. I'm concerned that the scale has not changed in 4 weeks and especially these last two weeks of strict 1200cal a day with one full day of a 24hr fast. The deficit should have moved the scale at least a little bit.

    The lack of progress is also starting to mentally drag me down now that is is hitting a 3rd weekend where I can't enjoy a dinner out.

    Any help or suggestions would be appreciated especially if you're short with the same goal of 115.

    Thanks for listening~

    I am 5' with a current weight of 118 lbs. Although I'm not trying to lose (actually trying to gain...pack on the muscle) I just wanted to say that if you do happen to be working out or nearing your cycle, you may be holding more water weight than normal. I feel that for women, it's better to use a general measurement or fit gauge instead of the number on the scale because due to our hormones, that number fluctuates on a pretty regular basis. I used to look at the number ALL the time and at 99 lbs. that changed if I ate any more than 1,000 calories per day, if I drank a lot of water the day before, if I ran... it was disheartening. So I feel you there!
  • queenliz99
    queenliz99 Posts: 15,317 Member
    http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/113609/relatively-light-people-trying-to-get-leaner/p1
  • federicafezza4271
    federicafezza4271 Posts: 69 Member
    Are you stressed? I feel that stress makes my body "hold on" to weight sometimes. maybe you should take some time to unwind every day, sleep a little more if needed, or do what works for you...

    best of luck!
  • RobD520
    RobD520 Posts: 420 Member
    When BMI is in the normal range, weight loss is very tough and fluctuations in water weight can easily obscure any progress you are making.

    Gaining muscle is very hard to do-and nearly impossible in a deficit. That is unlikely to be the answer.
  • mari5466
    mari5466 Posts: 137 Member
    I am going through the same issue. Its been 6 weeks. I hit around my goal weight and I think its because of hormones. I stopped stressing but kept a strict calorie count this week and its starting to budge a little. Be patient, don't fast for 24 hours cause that might lead to you binging. I just have been going through the motions but I try actively not to stress. I am 5ft and as soon as I reached 116 I haven't been able to drop below it until I started to dip below this week after a stressful period in my life. Stress causes a shift in our hormones and after when we relax it does take some time for them to readjust. Go out to eat this weekend, thats adding to the stress. Keep a positive attitude and I think it will start to shift eventually.
  • Shaylyn1986
    Shaylyn1986 Posts: 164 Member
    rileysowner wrote: »
    I know you probably don't want to hear this, but 2 pounds is well within the range of normal body weight fluctuation. Stop stressing, go out to the dinner with your boyfriend, and see what happens. Stop looking at just the short term of weeks. BTW, with only two pounds to deal with you should not even be considering a weight loss rate of more than half a pound a week.

    I agree! I consider even a -.3 a success for the week but nothing changing in 4 weeks has me really worried. :\

    I'm also a little worried that the ease of losing weight through IF has finally caught up to me or that medically there is something going on. I see my primary on Monday which should help.
  • cqbkaju
    cqbkaju Posts: 1,011 Member
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  • Shaylyn1986
    Shaylyn1986 Posts: 164 Member
    federicafezza4271 wrote: »
    Are you stressed? I feel that stress makes my body "hold on" to weight sometimes. maybe you should take some time to unwind every day, sleep a little more if needed, or do what works for you...

    best of luck!

    You could be right.. holiday stress added on to normal stress of dieting. I'll try to think of that and not panic so much. :)
  • Shaylyn1986
    Shaylyn1986 Posts: 164 Member
    peaceout_aly wrote: »

    I just wanted to say that if you do happen to be working out or nearing your cycle, you may be holding more water weight than normal.

    My cycle ended last week and I was actually up to 130 during it but back down to 127 now. Do you hold water weight past your cycle's end? I gain before and during but once it's over mine is typically gone.

  • Gamliela
    Gamliela Posts: 2,468 Member
    federicafezza4271 wrote: »
    Are you stressed? I feel that stress makes my body "hold on" to weight sometimes. maybe you should take some time to unwind every day, sleep a little more if needed, or do what works for you...

    best of luck!

    Yes! Stress will cause water retention and sometimes even a bloated feeling in the abdominal area. Symptoms of stress may also cause slowed digestion and constipation which will contribute to an increased number on th scale, but not ncessarily any actual fat gain. Its simply water retention weight, undigested food weight, not to be a worry.

    Watching and journaling might help. I haven't tried it myself, but it seems to work for some people.
    Write about stressful times and your exact weight shifts accounting also for digestion speed and food types.

  • Shaylyn1986
    Shaylyn1986 Posts: 164 Member
    itsfuntobedevilinabluedress wrote: »

    Life is too short for this nonsense.

    I agree on that. :( I'm just trying to be disciplined. Normally if the scale doesn't move for 1-2 weeks I really don't think anything of it but it's gone on so long that it doesn't feel good or normal.

    My initial goal was 125 but I'm working on my stretch goal of 115. I'm just shy of 5'2 so each lb really adds up.

  • Shaylyn1986
    Shaylyn1986 Posts: 164 Member
    itsfuntobedevilinabluedress wrote: »
    You have written a lot about your diet, what do you do for physical activity?

    I have an IT job so I bought a cubii under-the-desk elliptical which I use throughout the entire workday ~6-7 hours Mon-Fri. It synches to fitbit which is awesome and it tracks calories but I take the accuracy with a grain of salt and don't eat them back.

    Other than that I focus more on enjoyable types of activity like a zumba or yoga class but don't have a set regimented gym schedule.



  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
    Shaylyn1986 wrote: »
    Need a little help here if anyone has advice-

    I hit my initial goal weight of 125.5 on 11/18 and have not seen a loss since; only a 2lb gain. I had my period after thanksgiving so I assumed the 2lbs was from that or the thanksgiving day off-plan foods, however it has not gone back down to 125 in 4 weeks.

    The past 2 weeks I've been extremely strict, tracking every single piece of food on MFP. My bf and I like to go to dinner at least one night on the weekends and I've skipped that for 2 weeks now trying to figure out the issue.

    I've been practicing IF for 8 months on a 16:8 schedule and eat only 1200cal a day. I'm concerned that the scale has not changed in 4 weeks and especially these last two weeks of strict 1200cal a day with one full day of a 24hr fast. The deficit should have moved the scale at least a little bit.

    The lack of progress is also starting to mentally drag me down now that is is hitting a 3rd weekend where I can't enjoy a dinner out.

    Any help or suggestions would be appreciated especially if you're short with the same goal of 115.

    Thanks for listening~

    I've never tried Intermittent Fasting so I don't really have an opinion other than to say.. if you hit your goal, why are you still dieting? Is your goal a lower weight? At some point you'll need to slowly transition to maintenance unless you're intending to use IF ongoing permanently. I think you would be better off transitioning slowly into maintenance calories and shooting for body recomp. During recomp you'll gain muscle, which can equal a little weight but it can also (and should) equal fat loss at the same time. All you need to do is keep up your exercise routine, or intensify it if you can, and stay close to your maintenance calorie level and stick to your macros whenever possible. It takes a LONG time. I've been at it for six months now and I'm just now starting to notice muscle gains in areas where I had no muscle previously. Weight gain has been slight, but I'm still far below the 'overweight' mark for BMI so I don't sweat it. It may simply be time to think about changing your routine based on your long term goals rather than the short term ones (weight loss).
  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
    peaceout_aly wrote: »
    It's a hard transition to go from the mindset of losing weight, to gaining muscle, but it is possible and healthy!

    You certainly hit the nail on the head with that statement. I still struggle with it even being 10-12 lbs below my original goal weight.

  • Shaylyn1986
    Shaylyn1986 Posts: 164 Member
    @peaceout_aly - You look amazing! How often do you lift i.e. how many days a week for how long? I think I need to start small and simple in order to make it a daily habit. I've never been good with gyms or exercise on a consistent daily basis. Food is much easier for me to control and the only thing that's gotten me from 200lbs down to 125.
  • Shaylyn1986
    Shaylyn1986 Posts: 164 Member
    Spliner1969 wrote: »

    I've never tried Intermittent Fasting so I don't really have an opinion other than to say.. if you hit your goal, why are you still dieting? Is your goal a lower weight?

    I still have fat in certain areas and I never thought I would even get to the 120s range so I set smaller goals first with 125 being the initial and 115 being the final. IF has really helped me lose more quickly and fits in with my work schedule nicely. Thank you for your advice.
  • EDs3000
    EDs3000 Posts: 46 Member
    Could be that your body has gotten use to your stiric diet and exercises you have been doing. I would change it up with maybe some HIIT workouts. I also started drink green tea myself as a way to help my body breakdown fats.. Hope this works.
    Add me if u like... Keep working hard...
  • leejoyce31
    leejoyce31 Posts: 794 Member
    edited December 2016
    Shaylyn1986 wrote: »
    Need a little help here if anyone has advice-

    I hit my initial goal weight of 125.5 on 11/18 and have not seen a loss since; only a 2lb gain. I had my period after thanksgiving so I assumed the 2lbs was from that or the thanksgiving day off-plan foods, however it has not gone back down to 125 in 4 weeks.

    The past 2 weeks I've been extremely strict, tracking every single piece of food on MFP. My bf and I like to go to dinner at least one night on the weekends and I've skipped that for 2 weeks now trying to figure out the issue.

    I've been practicing IF for 8 months on a 16:8 schedule and eat only 1200cal a day. I'm concerned that the scale has not changed in 4 weeks and especially these last two weeks of strict 1200cal a day with one full day of a 24hr fast. The deficit should have moved the scale at least a little bit.

    The lack of progress is also starting to mentally drag me down now that is is hitting a 3rd weekend where I can't enjoy a dinner out.

    Any help or suggestions would be appreciated especially if you're short with the same goal of 115.

    Thanks for listening~
    itsfuntobedevilinabluedress wrote: »
    Read this carefully:

    I am skipping things I enjoy because I want to lose 2 pounds.

    I am skipping things I enjoy because I want to lose 2 pounds.

    I am skipping things I enjoy because I want to lose 2 pounds.

    I went 24 hours without eating to make the scale move.

    I am skipping things I enjoy because I want to lose 2 pounds.
    I am skipping things I enjoy because I want to lose 2 pounds.

    Life is too short for this nonsense. At 5'4, 127 pounds you are a in a healthy weight range. Give yourself a break from trying to lose. Maintain and consider upping your activity. None of this sounds good.

    This is helpful to me too. I have to tell myself that my way of thinking is nonsense at times. You are so right. Although I'm not telling OP it's nonsense because I don't do that. But for me, I will agree that my thinking can be way off, and life is too short.

    Thanks for posting this. :)
  • leejoyce31
    leejoyce31 Posts: 794 Member
    Shaylyn1986 wrote: »
    Need a little help here if anyone has advice-

    I hit my initial goal weight of 125.5 on 11/18 and have not seen a loss since; only a 2lb gain. I had my period after thanksgiving so I assumed the 2lbs was from that or the thanksgiving day off-plan foods, however it has not gone back down to 125 in 4 weeks.

    The past 2 weeks I've been extremely strict, tracking every single piece of food on MFP. My bf and I like to go to dinner at least one night on the weekends and I've skipped that for 2 weeks now trying to figure out the issue.

    I've been practicing IF for 8 months on a 16:8 schedule and eat only 1200cal a day. I'm concerned that the scale has not changed in 4 weeks and especially these last two weeks of strict 1200cal a day with one full day of a 24hr fast. The deficit should have moved the scale at least a little bit.

    The lack of progress is also starting to mentally drag me down now that is is hitting a 3rd weekend where I can't enjoy a dinner out.

    Any help or suggestions would be appreciated especially if you're short with the same goal of 115.

    Thanks for listening~

    Am I missing something... It's been 3 weeks instead of 4, right? With fluctuating hormones and the leaner you become, it gets harder to see much movement. However, it will drop further though. Just keep it at.
  • Spliner1969
    Spliner1969 Posts: 3,233 Member
    Shaylyn1986 wrote: »
    I still have fat in certain areas and I never thought I would even get to the 120s range so I set smaller goals first with 125 being the initial and 115 being the final. IF has really helped me lose more quickly and fits in with my work schedule nicely. Thank you for your advice.

    While you are right, only way to lose the fat in those areas is to continue to loose fat overall, and that usually means a deficit. However, in recomp you can do a very slight deficit, or eat even at maintenance and simply push exercise for that deficit and gain more muscle and continue to slowly chip away at the fat. That's pretty much recomp in a nutshell. It won't be quick results though, so it takes a lot of patience, and I can tell you from experience that patience comes with a fair amount of doubt about whether you're doing the right thing. But I figure as long as I'm not gaining too much too fast and I continue to look better in the mirror, even if it's really slow progress, then it's worth it for the overall improvement. I'll also admit, I went 5 lbs under my goal before starting recomp. In recomp, just from slowly moving up to maintenance calories, and sometimes putting myself in a deficit from too much exercise, I managed to lose an additional 5+ lbs. Even with that, some of those problem areas still hang onto that tiny bit of fat, and it seems the only way those areas are going to let go of it is if I replace it with muscle. Right now I'm trying to eat closer to my goal (less of an actual deficit at the end of the day) and to sometimes go a tad over while increasing strength training. I can't use weights much because of previous back injuries so it's body weight for me, but I'd have to agree with @peaceout_aly, if you can do strength training of any sort, it'd not hurt one bit to help you achieve your goals. Good luck!
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