Losing weight faster than expected...body fat or muscle mass

bjlkt2
bjlkt2 Posts: 17 Member
edited November 12 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

I've been on MFP for about two weeks, but to be honest, only started taking calorie tracking seriously starting last Saturday (so only 3 days). I've always been active and at a relatively healthy weight, but I decided I wanted to lose a little extra body fat to be leaner for a fitness photoshoot I'm doing with a friend in three weeks.

So, I set my weight-loss goal to 1.5lbs per week. Problem is, I've already lost almost 4 pounds in three days. Yeah, I realize part of this could just be water weight or something, and I'm probably over-reacting, but I just want to be sure that I'm not losing any muscle mass or anything.

Like I mentioned, I'm very active, lifting pretty serious weights (deadlifts, squats, etc) for about an hour and jogging 20 minutes or so, every other day. I've done this for several months, and am continuing to increase the weight I'm lifting. I'm meeting my net calorie goal, and I'm making sure to get enough protein (minimum 75g a day, up to about 100g; also, I'm 5'7" and 133lbs currently if that helps at all).

Anyway, I guess I was just under the understanding that if weight is lost that quickly (more than say, 2-3lbs per week) it's probably muscle mass being lost, not body fat. Is that true? Even though I'm lifting weights and getting enough protein? I really don't want to lose muscle mass, just body fat; should I be worried at dropping 4 lbs in 3 days?

Replies

  • bjlkt2
    bjlkt2 Posts: 17 Member
    bump cuz I'm a worry-wart :P
  • Loseweight1980
    Loseweight1980 Posts: 94
    You are losing water weight. The only thing that can change in a body that quickly is the amount of water. Either by eating healthier or exercising. Don't worry, just stick to it and it'll all work out
  • hazleyes81
    hazleyes81 Posts: 296 Member
    It could be a normal weight fluctuation. How often are you weighing yourself? Also, what sort of goals do you have? I know you said you are doing a fitness photo shoot, but is that along the lines of Oxygen magazine fitness look or Shape magazine, for example?
  • fiberartist219
    fiberartist219 Posts: 1,865 Member
    Yes, you are a worry wart!

    Whatever happens in your first week is not a sign of a trend or things to come of your second, third, or fourth week.

    Yes, it probably is just water weight.

    I wouldn't worry unless you dropped ten pounds in a week, honestly. I weigh 2-3 pounds more after breakfast than I do when I first wake up. My clothes weigh more than 3lbs.

    Yes, if you lost 3lbs a week every week for six weeks, I'd be worried about you gaining it back. If you lose 3lbs this week and no pounds next week, and then another pound the third week, you're probably on track.

    To make things more interesting. if you are a menstruating lady, you will fluctuate even more.

    GOOD TIMES!!!!
  • Evelyn_Gorfram
    Evelyn_Gorfram Posts: 706 Member
    I'd guess that it's just water weight (or something) (worry weight? :) ), as long as your'e gettting your net calories & full protein; and you don't feel monstrously hungry, dizzy, light-headed, weak (you can still lift whatever you usually lift, right?) or other signs of true food deprivation.

    Most people lose a lot of water weight in the first few days of a new diet - I'd bet that your weight loss rate will slow down drastically over the next few days, and certainly by next week.
  • bjlkt2
    bjlkt2 Posts: 17 Member
    Thanks guys :) I know it seems like over-reacting to others but I'm new to calorie tracking, I've never done it before, and I just wanted to make sure I'm not losing what I've worked so hard for over the last several months.

    @hazleeyes81- I weigh once a day, in the morning before breakfast, no clothes on. My goal is something more like Oxygen magazine. I have the muscle I want, I just want to trim down a little of the fat that's "softening" those lines :P
  • Blessedmommy_2x
    Blessedmommy_2x Posts: 419 Member
    Its VERY likely water weight... I lost 11lbs my first week of being on here just from cutting out all the sodas I was drinking for water.
  • bjlkt2
    bjlkt2 Posts: 17 Member
    @Evelyn_Gorfra- yes, I'm still lifting my normal weights; then again, it's only been 3 days, so that's only two workouts. But, I was able to lift them as normal.
  • Evelyn_Gorfram
    Evelyn_Gorfram Posts: 706 Member
    @Evelyn_Gorfra- yes, I'm still lifting my normal weights; then again, it's only been 3 days, so that's only two workouts. But, I was able to lift them as normal.

    In that case, I wouldn't worry about it. I'd congratulate you on your progress instead. :)
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