Losing weight but inch loss slowing down

Mkneedtogetfit
Mkneedtogetfit Posts: 93 Member
edited November 22 in Health and Weight Loss
Last month I was struggling to overcome a plateau with my weight but lost 2 inches everywhere. This month I have been losing weight but only lost 1/2 inch so far. I have been working out regularly. Any advice?

Replies

  • JaydedMiss
    JaydedMiss Posts: 4,286 Member
    janejellyroll wrote: »
    Don't expect dramatic results every month.

  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    Your body isn't a machine. You can't input data and expect the same result every time. If you are certain you are logging and tracking correctly, trust the process and expect for some speed bumps along the road.
  • erikfarrar
    erikfarrar Posts: 35 Member
    edited October 2017
    I wouldn't stress about one metric. This could be to a number of things:
    1. Losing weight appears more rapid at the beginning but slows as each unit lost becomes a larger percentage of your overall.
    2. There are certain places where fat deposits preferentially, and this is different between people. As you lose weight, those places are your "stores" from which fat energy is drawn first, and thus the measurements there will seem more dramatic. It's better to get a comprehensive body fat measurement (hydrostatic is best; pinches and resistance measurements are fine to score progress as long as they're done the same way every time).
    3. Regular workouts will change your body composition and fat deposition. You will likely gain some muscle.

    If you're going to keep metrics, you should keep several (body fat percentage, measurements, weight, etc.); where you don't see dramatic changes in some, you may in others. Also, as you get leaner, the changes will become less dramatic -- but don't worry! If you feel good, and you're happy with your visual progress, then just keep it up.

    In many cases, worrying about numbers too much can inject more stress than necessary. I have a trainer take measurements maybe every month -- twice a month, maximum. I would recommend seeing a trainer or dietician if you can swing it. Working out and weight loss will change your metabolism as well, and you may find that you need to adjust your intake accordingly (e.g. shifting your macronutrient intake percentages, calorie goals, timing of meals, etc.). What you do in the kitchen will have just as much effect as what you do in the gym, so it's great to have someone make a plan to follow! Good luck. :)
  • Mkneedtogetfit
    Mkneedtogetfit Posts: 93 Member
    erikfarrar wrote: »
    I wouldn't stress about one metric. This could be to a number of things:
    1. Losing weight appears more rapid at the beginning but slows as each unit lost becomes a larger percentage of your overall.
    2. There are certain places where fat deposits preferentially, and this is different between people. As you lose weight, those places are your "stores" from which fat energy is drawn first, and thus the measurements there will seem more dramatic. It's better to get a comprehensive body fat measurement (hydrostatic is best; pinches and resistance measurements are fine to score progress as long as they're done the same way every time).
    3. Regular workouts will change your body composition and fat deposition. You will likely gain some muscle.

    If you're going to keep metrics, you should keep several (body fat percentage, measurements, weight, etc.); where you don't see dramatic changes in some, you may in others. Also, as you get leaner, the changes will become less dramatic -- but don't worry! If you feel good, and you're happy with your visual progress, then just keep it up.

    In many cases, worrying about numbers too much can inject more stress than necessary. I have a trainer take measurements maybe every month -- twice a month, maximum. I would recommend seeing a trainer or dietician if you can swing it. Working out and weight loss will change your metabolism as well, and you may find that you need to adjust your intake accordingly (e.g. shifting your macronutrient intake percentages, calorie goals, timing of meals, etc.). What you do in the kitchen will have just as much effect as what you do in the gym, so it's great to have someone make a plan to follow! Good luck. :)

    Thank you so much. Makes complete sense. I have been taking measurements once a month but not bodyfat etc. I will get it done.
This discussion has been closed.

Categories