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Original poster

Why am I putting ON weight?

183 replies

Daffodilpup · 23/04/2025 12:24

Can anyone help? I read all this stuff about what you should eat and do and what you shouldn’t and it all mixes up in my head so I decided to go simple.

I did a calorie counter and worked out to lose a pound a week I needed to eat 1700 calories. (I’m 14 stone and 5ft 3)

I did this the first week and lost a pound. Week 2 ,3 and 4 I have regained that oound and another 3!

I have started doing weights too so have heard the theory that while I might be loosing fat I will be gaining muscle but don’t think that’s the case when I’m bigger that when I started? Would understand if I was the same. Also I’m only lifting 2kg and 4kg weights as I’m a beginner.

just getting fed up that I’m eating healthily and in a deficit and exercising (walking too) and I’m bigger than when I started.

OP posts:
AprilBunny · 23/04/2025 14:30

Daffodilpup · 23/04/2025 14:21

Wow. Thats a quick weight loss! Wish I could do that!

Show quote history

My body seemed to respond well to not eating many carbs and each meal was so satisfying and tasty I honestly did ditch all snacks and junk.

eqpi4t2hbsnktd · 23/04/2025 14:30

Eat less.

SharpOpalNewt · 23/04/2025 14:29

1700 was too much for me for weight loss and I'm 49, 5'7" and do a sedentary job but about five gym sessions a week. I was losing a pound then putting it on again. Eating 1400 calories I have gone from 13st 4lbs to 12st 3lbs in 7 weeks. It gives me a little wriggle room to go over a bit at the weekend or not always count accurately when I'm eating out. FitBit thinks I burn off about 2500 calories a day but I think it overestimates by some way.

EmeraldShamrock000 · 23/04/2025 14:26

1700 should be your intake average without dieting at your height.

2000 is based off someone a lot taller.

Continue to exercise it will definitely benefit you.

Delatron · 23/04/2025 14:25

I’d try and up the weights if you can. You don’t need to be doing like 20
reps with light weights. We’re better off doing 4-7 reps with a heavier weight. So whatever you can lift to failure in 7 reps - with good form and without getting injured of course.

At our age some kind of sprint interval training (can be done on an exercise bike) is also good.

I’m not getting in to another argument on here about calories but definitely do not restrict too much. The exercise should not be fasted (increases cortisol).

I’d definitely switch your breakfast from cereal to something more protein heavy such as Greek yogurt and fruit/nuts or eggs.

sugarspiceandeverythingnice12 · 23/04/2025 14:25

Isn't 1700 calories maintenance? Yet you want to lose weight?

kirinm · 23/04/2025 14:25

If you’ve introduced new exercise then it can be water retention. You don’t say what you are doing with the weights?

you may also see massive fluctuations through your cycle anyway. It can be really bloody difficult not to see the scale move just because you’re ovulating or about to have your period.

sugarspiceandeverythingnice12 · 23/04/2025 14:24

Mummabear04 · 23/04/2025 13:17

OP have you tried intermittent fasting? It's the only thing that works for me and also upping my exercise. Don't stress about it. Consistency is key to long term weight loss.

Yes. Fasting is a good idea imo. Also raising your heart rate consistently.....so try jogging instead of walking for 30 minutes a day

Original poster
Daffodilpup · 23/04/2025 14:21

AprilBunny · 23/04/2025 14:07

A couple of years ago I went from nearly 14 stone to 11 stone in about three months.

B- homemade smoothie with fruit and yogurt
L- salad with any protein
D- protein with vegetables and a teeny tiny amounts of rice/potatoes

Snacks-a low calorie hot chocolate

Drinks-nearly black decaf tea.

i didn’t calorie count or do any additional exercise.

Edited

Wow. Thats a quick weight loss! Wish I could do that!

OP posts:
Original poster
Daffodilpup · 23/04/2025 14:19

ambercabs · 23/04/2025 14:12

Honestly I would struggle to make 1700 calories on what you are eating - are you really eating 1700?

Show quote history

Do you mean im eating more than 1700? I’m not according to weighing my food and putting it into my fitness pal.

OP posts:
Ellepff · 23/04/2025 14:17

1700 is probably close to your maintenance, maybe even above, and 1 pound off, then adding a pound a week is about my normal fluctuation - I just need my 3-4 pound range to go down each month. And it’s getting worse with peri. Switching a meal for a protein shake or having that as a snack if I’m starving is a big help for me. It lets my other meals be normal ish sized.

Willyoujustbequiet · 23/04/2025 14:15

It's worth getting thyroid bloods just to check.

Ineedthesun80 · 23/04/2025 14:13

I’m sorry to say but I’m 45,to lose weight I have to go down to 1200 calories,mainly protein based,little carbs,I walk 15k steps a day with a strenuous job,it sucks but you get used to it.

ambercabs · 23/04/2025 14:12

Daffodilpup · 23/04/2025 12:35

I don’t think I’d survive on 1200 a day but may have to see if it helps.

so breakfast is usually bran flakes with milk and a banana. All weighed out. Lunch is a salad - tuna or chicken with a little mayo - again measured out or if I’m really hungry I’ll have a fresh soup and seeded bread. Dinner varies - jacket potato and salad, last night was chicken potatoes and peas, sometimes pasta. All weighed and calculated. I walk 10k steps most days and do 20 mins of weights 3-4 times a week.

I feel so fed up gaining weight. Wouldn’t even mind if I was staying the same but gaining! Might as well
go back to little exercise and snacks again as getting nowhere!

Honestly I would struggle to make 1700 calories on what you are eating - are you really eating 1700?

nonmerci99 · 23/04/2025 14:09

If you’ve gained 3 pounds, you either aren’t in a deficit, or you’re eating more than you think you are. Try cutting calories back a bit (don’t go crazy, it’s not sustainable) or increasing activity levels in order to increase your basal metabolic rate. Weights are great, but try increasing weights (those are pretty light, beginner or not) and add some cardio to your routine.

AprilBunny · 23/04/2025 14:07

A couple of years ago I went from nearly 14 stone to 11 stone in about three months.

B- homemade smoothie with fruit and yogurt
L- salad with any protein
D- protein with vegetables and a teeny tiny amounts of rice/potatoes

Snacks-a low calorie hot chocolate

Drinks-nearly black decaf tea.

i didn’t calorie count or do any additional exercise.

Original poster
Daffodilpup · 23/04/2025 14:01

Ohisitjustme · 23/04/2025 13:54

Id switch the bran flakes for porridge. More filling, less processed

Will do, although will miss my bran flakes 🤣

OP posts:
Original poster
Daffodilpup · 23/04/2025 14:00

harriethoyle · 23/04/2025 13:52

@Daffodilpup i went to a local gym and they worked out my weight loss calorie range (1250-1500) and a) exercise outside the gym and b) suggested exercises in the gym. Is there something like that nearby for you?

I’m not sure but could t afford the gym anyway but thanks for the thought

OP posts:
0ohLarLar · 23/04/2025 13:55

Honestly post age 35 the only way i lose any weight at all is by eating far far less. Like 1200 calories max. I basically have to go to two meals a day. No snacks or drinks with calories, no alcohol. Otherwise i just maintain, to actually lose i need a very low calorie intake.

Your hormone levels contribute to a loss of muscle as you age and basically your metabolism plunges.

Ohisitjustme · 23/04/2025 13:54

Id switch the bran flakes for porridge. More filling, less processed

harriethoyle · 23/04/2025 13:52

@Daffodilpup i went to a local gym and they worked out my weight loss calorie range (1250-1500) and a) exercise outside the gym and b) suggested exercises in the gym. Is there something like that nearby for you?

Eyerollexpert · 23/04/2025 13:51

If your 45 I found it really difficult to lose weight at the ages between 40 to 50 , but now I am older it is back to being easier. I blame hormones but don't claim to be knowledgeable on this.

Original poster
Daffodilpup · 23/04/2025 13:42

BitOutOfPractice · 23/04/2025 13:28

It’s not. Don’t stop. It’s still good for you. You’re not building muscle with those weights but it’s a good habit to start.

You are eating quite a few processed carbs. I only have carbs once a day and I’m losing.

also, are you drinking plenty of water?

Show quote history

I won’t stop. Im hoping to up the weights as I get used to them but it’s only been a few weeks. What kind of weight do I need to be using to start seeing changes?

im going to look at carbs and swapping the banana to melon and lower my calories. Hopefully in a few weeks it will pay off.

I drink 2 litres of water a day or near enough. Thanks all.

OP posts:
BitOutOfPractice · 23/04/2025 13:28

Daffodilpup · 23/04/2025 12:50

Im worried it’s making the weight loss harder though.

Show quote history

It’s not. Don’t stop. It’s still good for you. You’re not building muscle with those weights but it’s a good habit to start.

You are eating quite a few processed carbs. I only have carbs once a day and I’m losing.

also, are you drinking plenty of water?

AndrinaAdamosballetshoes · 23/04/2025 13:28

This is really good on the benefits of walking for fat loss, really worth a watch.

- YouTube

Enjoy the videos and music that you love, upload original content and share it all with friends, family and the world on YouTube.

https://youtu.be/QKDuqWs1CSw

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