Dieting but not losing weight

[LoopTheLoops]

How can I be dieting but not losing any weight? I am really over weight so I was expecting quite big results quickly as is usual when very over weight but for the past week I haven’t lost anything at all? Only been on diet for 2 weeks, surely I should have lost something in a week? Very hard to stay motivated when the scales aren’t moving

Are you drinking enough water also are you counting calories?

Hi yes I’ve been counting calories and sticking to 1500 maybe it should be lower? But I’m obese so thought that seemed about right? I probably don’t drink enough water but surely in the first few weeks that wouldn’t stop me from losing any weight? It was my understanding that if you are very overweight/obese the weight should initially drop off? Before steadying. But this week I’ve not even lose 1lb

@LoopTheLoops

How much weight did you lose in the first week?

I have been dieting for 3.5 weeks now, and in the first week I lost 7.5lbs. However, without changing a thing, I didn't lose anything for 10 days, just completely stalled. I started to drink more water and then snap, the weight dropped again. So, first week a 7.5lbs loss, second week maintained weight, third week lost 3.5lbs and this week I have lost 3lbs so far with my weigh in on wednesday.

The only change I did make was drink a lot more water, that may have had an impact. Keep at it, your weight will suddenly drop. There is no rhyme or reason, but each week is different, so don't think that it isn't working just because the scales haven't moved, it is working. Your body will take time to adjust too, also remember to measure inches because often they will change when your weight doesn't.

Hope that helps.

I'm on a plateau OP, I've been so good for 3 weeks. 1st week lost 8lbs, and haven't shifted a single ounce since. I've been counting calories and not gone over 1400 once, and walk around 5 miles a day with my dogs.

It's so frustrating.

8lbs as well the first week but I am a size 20 so was expecting quite big loses in the first few weeks especially as I thought weight only started to stall once you had been dieting for a while or if you are already quite slim. It’s very frustrating as it’s hard for me to stay motivated without seeing results because to me it’s like why am I starving myself (ok not really starving myself but certainly eating a lot less!) for nothing!

Keep going, drink water and also track your periods too and see whether your cycle has any impact on your losses. I know from past experience maintaining is a win for me in the week leading up to my period. I'm sure the loss will show up if you keep going.

I don't know whether your calorie limit is right, but if you download My Fitness Pal it will work out what your allowance should be based in what you weigh now and what you want to get to - might be worth checking?

If I've read this correctly, you've been on a diet two weeks and lost 8lbs? That's amazing? 1500 calories is the minimum if you're a size 20. Please google TDEE and find your advised calories and deficit.

My fitness pal can be dodgy as it recalculates your calorie goal based on exercise, then adds more eatable calories when you add exercise. Effectively doubling the effect of your exercise.

As others have said, you’re doing well and you don’t want to do it suddenly and unhealthily.

On the calories point though, My Fitbit tells me I burn, on average 1200 a day if I don’t exercise.
So 1500 in a day, if I don’t go for a run would mean weight gain for me.

But this is not of concern right now, I think you should focus on how well you’re doing and making it sustainable.

8lbs the first week nothing the second, probably sounds ungrateful but I don’t think it’s amazing at a size 20, I’ve known of people as big as me to lose nearly 2 stone in a Month 😬

According to my tdee I can eat over 1800 calories to lose weight 🤔 and I’m eating 1500

Are you absolutely sure that's all you're eating? What kinds of foods do you eat?

@HaveYouMetMyMateStanley

My fitness pal can be dodgy as it recalculates your calorie goal based on exercise, then adds more eatable calories when you add exercise. Effectively doubling the effect of your exercise.

Oh yeah, I never ever added exercise! (Haven't used MFP for a few years but was ok when I did use it - suppose a perk of being a lazy arse non-exerciser!)

@LoopTheLoops

According to my tdee I can eat over 1800 calories to lose weight 🤔 and I’m eating 1500

I wonder if trying 1800 a day might be better then? Or a mix of 1500 and 1800?

You need to eat less.

On a sedentary day I only burn 1600 Cal's.

Unless you are very tall eating 1500 will just maintain your weight, unless you are on your feet all day/ doing daily moderate physical exercise.

Going too low on the calories can cause your metabolism to crash and effectively your body hangs on to everything it can. I would recommend a tdee calculator online and be honest about your level of exercise, then don’t go below that. For someone who is obese I would be surprised if it turned out as low as you’re eating. 1800 sounds more sustainable, and that’s what you want. A level of eating that is sustainable long term.
There are all sorts of gentle exercise groups on Facebook who have a wealth of knowledge and will encourage you with diet and low impact movement. Get fit with Rick is an absolutely joyous place, would recommend!
Try to focus on how you feel and how clothes fit, rather than numbers. Bodies do weird things sometimes.
Give yourself a hug, you’ve started on the journey! Be proud xxx

No I am only 5ft 4, would 1200 be better then?

Op, if you want to answer the following we might be able to advise better.
Your age.
Your height.
Your weight.
Your level of exercise - steps per day if you know that.

This is what will go into the tdee calculator.

You've lost 8lb in 2 weeks. That IS a huge amount.

Do not lessen your calorie intake. 1800 sounds sensible for someone of your size. It's a marathon not a sprint. Try 1800 and see how you go.

Take your weight in KGs times it by 22 & then again by 1.1. That is the amount of calories you need to eat to maintain your current weight, anything less than that you will lose fat.

This doesn't necessarily mean weight, there are so many factors involved in your weight, you are not 100% fat so you can be losing fat without losing weight. Factors that can affect weight are fat loss, hormones, water retentions, so just because the scales aren't moving doesn't mean you're not losing fat. Check out Slim Society on Facebook or Insta, Connor posts loads of really good videos explaining all this in more depth.

Try measuring yourself as a guide as well, don't just rely on the scales.

Good luck!

When i started MFP I lost 7lb the first week then it averaged out at about 1lb a week - which included that occasional week of staying the same. It's the long term that matters. I had set the calories for only a half lb loss a week so at least in some cases MFP can underestimate how many you need.

I maintain on 1500 cals!! 50, 5’8”

The people that lost a stone etc probably did strict keto or shakes only or something. If you’ve done 8lb just with less food and nothing too strict that’s amazing!

I'm 5'4" and currently losing weight eating 1500-2000 calories a day. Lost 24kg and 4 dress sizes since March.

Don't go down to 1200, it's too low and not sustainable, you'll just end up miserable and possibly binge.

8lbs in 2 weeks is great progress. Weightloss isn't linear, stick to counting your calories and you most likely will see a woosh soon!