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Fitness > Motivation > Exercising But Not Losing Weight
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Exercising But Not Losing Weight

You’re walking every day and hitting the gym, but the scale hasn’t budged. What gives?

By Julie Weingarden Dubin

For every 3,500 calories you burn, you’ll lose a pound. It turns out that slimming down is more complex than that golden rule preached by fitness pros.

Shedding pounds isn’t so precise, according to Ralph La Forge, a physiologist and managing director of the Duke Lipid and Metabolic Disorder Training Program at Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C.

Although weight loss does, indeed, depend upon the “calories-in, calories-out” equation, you may at times exercise without losing weight. For example, a brisk 30-minute walk burns 200 calories – only about half the amount in that bagel you ate this morning (minus the cream cheese).

In addition, gender and genes matter. Women, who store fat differently than men and have a harder time losing fat around the abdomen, tend to lose weight more slowly. And some people are just born with a faster resting metabolism, so they burn calories more quickly.

So what can you do to nudge the scale down? Keep these tips in mind:

Do exercise a little more. Gradually increase the time and intensity of your workouts to burn more calories. Just walking 15 minutes more, for example, will help you shed an additional 100 calories. 

Work more muscles. The more muscle groups you work, the more energy your body uses. Thirty minutes of weight-bearing exercise, such as walking, hiking, dancing, tai chi and some forms of yoga, burns more calories than 30 minutes of stationary cycling or some kinds of resis­tance training. It also builds strong bones.

Aim to burn about 1,500 calories per week through exercise. That’s the average amount recommended by the American College of Sports Medicine. Walking 3 miles per day over five days will do it; or call your local Arthritis Foundation chapter for information on exercise programs.

Don’t reach for a post-workout snack, or you could add back as many calories as you just burned off. Drink a glass – or two – of water instead; you actually may be more thirsty than hungry.

Don’t trust the numbers. If you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike, the number of calories you actually burn is often 10 to 15 percent lower than what’s displayed on the screen. That’s because the mechanical assistance of the machine allows your body to do less work – and most calorie-counters don’t take that into account.  

Don’t collapse on the couch when you get home. If you rest after a workout more than you would normally, your body slows down and doesn’t burn as many calories as it usually does.

Everyday activities and how many calories they burn (in a 150-pound person):

Mopping floors (1/2 hour)                140 calories
Vacuuming (1/2 hour)                       140 calories
Ironing (1/2 hour)                              75 calories
Pulling weeds (1/2 hour)                   177 calories
Washing the car (1 hour)                   300 calories
Bagging leaves (1/2 hour)                 136 calories
Washing dishes (1 hour)                   152 calories
Rearranging furniture (1 hour)          450 calories
Indoor painting (1 hour)                    204 calories
Grocery shopping (1/2 hour)            130 calories
Walking (1/2 hour)                           100 calories
Sleeping (8 hours)                             50 calories

 

Kassie
25 Aug 2010, 23:27
I'm about to go crazy because I have been trying to lose weight for about 5 months now and have not lost anything. I have been careful about what I am eating as well as how much I am eating. I am not a big eater so I know I don't breach the calorie limit. And I chose healthy foods and don't eat out. In addition I also exercise 4 to 5 times a week for an hour or more each time. I do cardio and I do weight training. Granted I did have a baby this January. But I feel like i should be losing by now.
freedog
27 Jun 2010, 11:18
Why does everyone try to put a positive spin on weight loss? It's simple, we indulged and now we have to pay the piper. That means exercising ALOT, at least an hour a day, six days a week and being uncomfortable for the majority of the workout. It means sacrificing what you want with basic caloric needs...that means eliminating all of your processed and high fat foods and means, for many people, eating about 1/3 of what they have been eating in the past. That's right, no Macs, no taco bell and no more than 3 meat nights a week and that meat should be no bigger than a deck of cards. It also means eating salads without high fat dressing,

Lastly, it means staying a little hungry all day long. That's right, you should have a little pang in your stomach all day long if you're going to lose weight and keep it off.

We live in an indulgent society where one trip through the drive through can exceed our daily caloric needs...and many people do that 3 times over plus snacks and it shows.

Getting to your prime weight is going to probably be really hard work for most people. It's better if you know that up front.
The Editors
22 Jun 2010, 15:47
Dear Lacey and Fellow Readers,
Thanks for your comments. The article clearly states that exercising more, along with what and how much you eat, is the best way to lose more. The calories burned from everyday tasks are not meant to encourage readers to replace their routine exercise with household chores. It's simply meant to encourage more physical activity to not only lose or maintain weight, but to retain mobility and independence.

And keep in mind, the amount of calories burned depends on many factors, including but not limited to age, weight, sex, intensity level, etc.

In simple terms, less weight and more movement means less aggravated joints and less pain.

Thanks for all your comments.
The Editors
Arthritis Today
Lacey
22 Jun 2010, 13:32
This is a ridiculous article. Vacuuming does not burn 140 calories in a half hour. Hell, an hour long WALK burns only about 100 extra.

You are going to give people the idea that keep their houses clean is a replacement for exercise which is absolutely not the case.
Wendy
19 May 2010, 02:42
You all know that excercise is not the most important key to losing weight. What excercise is good for is getting your body in better CONDITION not weight loss. Getting to sleep in a restful place for eight hours a day. Learn the difference of being full compared to eating everything in front of you. Take 1200 calories to 2200 calories and divide it up into six to eight meals a day. Be careful not to eat very many white carbs. Eating too little calories will put more fat on your body. Eating too many calories will also, put too much weight on you. Quit smoking cold turkey. It is easier to quit smoking than to watch what you eat. By the way get some support to help encourage you to stay on a constant six to eight small meals a day. I read all of your columns and one thing I can say is your over doing it in the gym and treadmill. Walk in water above your waist for thirty minutes. Tread water with a life jacket on for ten minutes keeping your life jacket above water twisting left to right. Do these excercises three to four times a week. It takes courage to move forward with a better eating plan.










































































Myrna
19 May 2010, 01:06
I need to lose weight but lost 7 pounds.But i have not jumped that number.I have health problems and i necessary for me to lose it and keep it off.I could use tips.Thanks
Bettybets
18 May 2010, 09:20
I am reading all your comments, and after researching about weight loss and reviewing my last attempts at losing weight, I have finally discovered that it isn't about "dieting," but rather eating moderate portions and developing healthy lifelong habits. Luckily since January of this year I have lost about 32 pounds. Although it hasn't been easy, the solution is simple. As a person who is almost 53 years old, I realize that I have to put in at least 60-90 minutes of daily aerobic exercise to lose weight. In addition, I need to take in from 500-1000 calories less to burn 1-2 pounds a week, which is healthy weight loss. I am currently doing Weight Watchers, but I have found that if I exercise heartily, I need to take in more food to lose. Those of you who are not losing at 500-1000 calories a day are not losing because your body is in starvation mode and holding on to your weight for survival. My advice is to eat small healthy meals every 4-5 hours that include both a protein and a complex carbohydrate (whole grain). Do not eliminate carbohydrates; they are necessary for good health. Rather, limit the refined carbohydrates and sugar, eat lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and at from 1-3 tsps of olive or canola oil daily. Mix up your exercise. I do cardio at least 6 times a week for 90 minutes. I do strength training 2-3 times a week. It's important to include cardio, strength (resistance) training, and stretching. Limit strength to no more than 2-3 times a week. However, it is necessary to build your muscles to lose the fat. Drink at least 6-8 glasses of water, too, to keep well hydrated. Include a multiple daily vitamin with minerals.
carol
15 May 2010, 22:34
I too am working out more and more and eating around 500 calories a day, walking 5 miles a day and the pounds are just not coming off. I told my friend that I would rather be overweight and happy than starving and unhappy.
Raquel
15 May 2010, 16:00
Hiya, I am 25 years old and at this moment I am 63 kilos. I joined the gym in January and was going 3-4 times a week doing classes (step class,dancing) and mostly cardio, for 4 months I did this and did NOT lose 1/2 kilo. 3 weeks ago I decided to start a diet, and I am on a low Carbs diet... I am hardly eating any carbs... and I am now going to the gym every day ... I lost 2 kilos in 2 weeks... and now for a whole week I have not lost any more weight.... is this normal ???? 3 years ago I was 56 kilos and now I cant even get down to 60 .... I doing every thing I can .. but it doesn't seem like any thing is working....... HELP
Angela
15 May 2010, 08:20
For the past four months I have been going through the same thing.I noticed I was gaining weight and decided to quickly nip it in the bud.

I've tried everything! Even going down to 500 calories a day to see if that would shock my system. Nope, I gained a pound that week.

I excercise everyday, don't eat processed foods,no sugar, most things organic and most days calories intake is around 1300 calories a day. I write down everything, wear a bodybugg (which clearly tells me I'm burning more calories then I take it) and I just keep gradually gaining weight.

Gin
11 May 2010, 21:57
Ok.... Here is what i know and i seen it work. I was a person who didn't exercise either and ended up with back problems...so they told me i had to lose weight so i joined a gym and experienced the same thing as you all. Previously to the Gym i had a small stepper with the hydralic cylinders and i kept it in the kitchen so i would get on it and do a few steps get off and go about my way to do other things and then a few hours later i would get on it and do a few more steps and i would see how many i could do at a time till i had to get off i would do this 2 times a day for anywhere to a minute to 2 or 3 minutes and then i weight about a week later and i lost 10 pounds then i quit because of back problems, so after i had my back worked on with shots and nerve blocks i decided to join a gym and i did and i am the type to think i can't work out so i went to the gym and got with it thinking that i was really going to get somewhere but i was like you all never budged a pound even after a month so i was kind of discouraged and quit , started doing research and found out i was stressing my body out and then also it is not the exercise that causes weight loss it is the chemical that exercise puts off that causes weight loss , so supposed if you work out for 20 minutes a day , it don't have to be consecutively but break it up in 2 ten minute sessions, every other day and eat more healthy it is suppose to work. so i look back and remember the stepper work out i done it a few minutes a day and ate normal and normal for me is a small amount.like a small desert plate. Just remember when you work out at the gym don't push yourself to do more than you can do just go at it slow and at your own pace and don't stress out your body ,,, stress causes you to gain weight. Let me hear from you on this.....
Jaime
04 May 2010, 23:23
I am just happy its not just me! lol. Eat 1500 calories a day. Have a food journal and keep track. Exercise an hour a day, cardio and weight training. Started with 30 mins then up to an hour and encreasing intensity. Been doing this for 2 months and well my weight keeps going up and down between 2-3 ibs. Lose 1 add 2 loss 3 add 1. I am 5'7" and weigh 255 ibs. I am sticking with it of course but I just don't get it! I am doing everything I need to.
Nikki
29 Apr 2010, 12:09
LINDSAY!!

Girl that pudge around your tummy is probably your uterus. Some womens female organs are pushed forward just a little. No amount of diet or exercise is going to make that go away. A super flat tummy is not achievable for a vast majority of women. Don't worry about it!
Lindsey
19 Apr 2010, 22:38
I'm 18 years old, 5 foot and I weigh 120 lbs. I'm pretty muscular and I only have some pudge around my tummy. I need to lose weight for cheer to fly, but I've stayed at the same weight for a year. I eat healthy, only drink water, and I am very active and do lots of aerobics and cardio 6 times a week. I have not lost any weight! Please tell me why?? Is it just how my body will always be? Or will it change when I get older? I just need answers ://
mem
02 Apr 2010, 23:30
I was born with low muscle tone so i have to do alot more exercise then other people i decided i needed to just go out and get fit i have been eating healthy meals and drinking water going 4 2 hour walks every day WHY am i not loosing weight im sad!!
Melissa
02 Apr 2010, 08:51
Thanks everyone for some helpful ideas. I have been exercising for a month now but have not followed a food plan. If anything i think i gained a pound. I am going to drink more water and start watching was i eat.

Thanks
Nick Brunch
29 Mar 2010, 11:40
Stop weighing yourself on the scale. Buy a Body Fat% meausring scale. I bought one for $29 on amazon.com.

Introduce weights in your workouts, dont just stick to cardios.

Your target should be to get your body fat percentage down not your weight.

Eat low glycemic index carbs. Wheat breads, brown rice and the kinds. Stay far far away from sugar and white carbs.
Sam
28 Mar 2010, 19:14
hey guys.

kay i dont really have a dilemma juss more of a question.
im 17, 5"4 and 140 pnds. i dont really care about my weight cause i know i have an insane amount of leg muscle . ive been working out at the gy for about a week, have a membership and all. i basicaly only do cardion for about 2-3 hourse every single day. will i eventually see results ? like how long should it take before my waist line and stomach area start decreasing inch wise ??
any ideas ?
Syl
28 Mar 2010, 09:08
Your fluids dictate a lot about the weight. I sometimes lose 3.5 lbs in a 10 mile run. But gain it back when I drink water to re-hydrate.

A 12 oz glass contains almost 1 lb of water!

Remember that 1 litre of water is 2.2 lbs. In my case it seems that the scale is saying I am no longer losing weight but my clothes are getting loser.

So don`t rely on the scale, take measurements at different places on your body (waist, arms, neck and hips).

In my case, it seems my body is retaining more water than a few months ago - at least according to my body fat analyzer electronic scale.
Arbaaz
28 Mar 2010, 07:15
Tips

1: Dont weigh yourself every day, just do it once every week or 2 weeks.

2: Increase your intensity of your excercise, your body gets used to the same intensity. Increase a little every 3 days.

3: As stated in previous posts, watch and record your calories. There are a lot of hidden calories in foods.

4: Totally give up chips, these put pounds of weight on. If you must then oven bake them.

5: Add weights to your excercise plan. Even though it may look like your not losing. Which does put people off. Dont be put off as more muscle really does make a difference when burning cals.

6: Drink plenty of water, even when your hungry. The higher your water percentage the better your body works. Also muscle needs water and infact is 75% water.

I was having the exact same problems as listed and started to increase the intensity and it did make a difference. I was 249 lb. Have now cut down to 217 and still going.
Tamara
25 Mar 2010, 14:43
Work out, skip a day, work out skip a day, drink red wine twice per week, skip anything with white flour, no mare than 3 teaspoons per sugar per day, eat brown rice and whole grains only, all food should be purchased in it's most natural form and then prepared at home, avoid canned, jarred, and prepackaged foods. Frozen and fresh veggies ok, cook with olive oil,eat fresh lean meats, vinegar, spices and herbs for flavor, skim milk, nuts and berries, avoid dairy as much as possible. Keep your exercise routine the way it is and treat yourself to Mcdonald's once in a while. THIS WORKS. Your body needs something bad every now and again in order to work properly. Too much of anything all of the time is never good...and truth, eat small meals more often DO NOT SKIP MEALS!!
Liana
21 Mar 2010, 03:18
hey there,

I decided to join the gym about 3 weeks ago now because i want to tone up (im 18 years old by the way). at joining i weighted 49kg and am 5ft1 in height however the trainers their weighed me again about 4 days later and i had gained 1.5kgs?? and ever since joining i have gained and gained weight. weighing myself yesterday i am now 52.7kg thats 2.8kg since joining. what gives? i go roughly 5 times a week and at best do about 2 hours there.. i do classes their every work day that include things like yoga, pilates, step (dancing that involves a step) and some trampiline work outs. ive noticed im alot more hungry and am consuming more but that really doesnt account for my weight gain?? id say my diet isnt the best but i noticed before i joined the gym id eat things like m&ms and mcdonalds etc everyday and seem to be lossing weight and now that i goto the gym im gaining? HELP please :)
Jamie
14 Mar 2010, 23:40
I am having issues as well. I only need to lose 10 lbs, and have been eating a 13-1500 calorie diet for over 4 months, I lost like 10 lbs, and then started excercising. I have been burning 15-2000 calories a day people, 5 days a week, and I haven't lost a bloody pound. The calories i"m eating are healthy calories. So what the hell is the deal. I am 31, a diabetic, and my sugars are fine, so why haven't I lost pounds or inches.
Maxine
10 Mar 2010, 10:43
Reading the comments have helped but I'm still frustrated as to what to do. I've cut my calories down to 1500-1700 calories/day. I run at 5 mi/hr on an incline for 30 min. and do weights for another 30 min. I've seen no change at all. My clothes fit the same, no toning difference yet either. I've pushed myself hard for months and have yet to drop a pound. What else must I do?
jordandmom
09 Mar 2010, 15:32
Been there done that with the exercise and no lose. It wasn't until I started religously keeping a food journal that I discovered the problem--HIDDEN CALORIES :( Once I got a handle on the extras (ie mayo on my sandwich) and was able to accurately account for all calories as well as adjusting my food so that I was not eating flour products, I was then on my way to a weightloss. Week nine since wising up and have lost 16 pounds eating 1600 calories and burning est. 600 cals per day on the recumbent bike (my best friend) by pedaling 25 in the morning and 25 in the evening at 13 mph steady.

Best wishes to everyone!
Shannon
08 Mar 2010, 15:20
Reading these comments really hits home with me. I have been walking 3 miles/day, 5 days/week since September and have not lost a single pound. I have cut down on portion size at meal time and am taking in 1200-1500 calories/day.

I am frustrated at this point and need some advice. I have 9 year old triplets and want to be able to keep up with them as they get older :)Thanks! Shannon
Treecie
03 Mar 2010, 21:35
Kirsty,
You should add weights into your exercise routine!
Yasmin
01 Mar 2010, 14:43
Could it be possible that you've put on muscles? Muscle weighs heavier than fat so that could be the reason why the numbers on the scale aren't going down. The other reason might be because you're body is already comfortable with the intensity of the exercise. So if you've been running on a relatively flat route, get your body out of the comfort zone and run up a hill or set your treadmill to an incline. If you're doing crunches put a weight disc on your abs. Just remember that your body has accumulated excess fat for years so it would be unreasonable to expect it to melt within a few weeks.

Keira
15 Feb 2010, 21:25
Kristy,
You complete a 6 mile run in 30 minutes, 4 times each week?? Wow. That puts you in pretty rare company. At that pace, you'd finish a marathon in just over 2 hours. Can't imagine why you wouldn't be losing weight. Have you increased your caloric intake to fuel your runs? Sometimes running makes people feel depleted and they tend to unwittingly eat more.
kristy
10 Feb 2010, 21:29
I've been running 6 miles 4 times a week (takes about 30 minutes) and walk to and from school everyday (30 minutes each) and STILL seem to have body fat. Im 5'3 , 128 pounds and thighs are about 21" each. I also eat healthy on a daily basis but for some reason cannot lose any weight latley. Not sure what is the problem
georgina
07 Feb 2010, 00:10
Hey im 18,5'2,205 pounds. For 2 months now i walk everyday for an hour on the treadmill. I only take one day off. I had lost 10 pounds in the first 2 weeks and 3 inches of the waist,but then about a week later i gained 2 inches back and all the weight back...its been a month and haven't lost anything else. I even increased my walking time, i used to walk just 40 minutes. Plus i do weight training 3 times a week.My diet is healthy. I also have an slow metabolism...should i walk two hrs instead of 1? I need to loose more inches and weight before prom in April.
bailey <3's steven
02 Feb 2010, 19:40
heey. i'm 13 and 210 lbs someone help.
Katie Heinen
02 Feb 2010, 19:39
hello. i am 5'4" and 130 i've been walking 2 miles since january 2nd and it is now february 2nd and i haven't lost any weight. HELP!
susan
02 Feb 2010, 18:22
Hi gee have been reading all the comments so i know I am not alone but! I have been dieting for a while know and find my weight can go up and down from day to day , for instance yesturday I weighed my self and was within normal weight range on my wii fit today I got on and it told me i had put on weight and am know in the overweight range! I was expecting to have lost more but I put it on , how when all I ate was cerial ,(1) wheat bix with skim milk no sugar then for lunch 4 rice crakers with vegimite very thinly spread and grilled fish and salad for dinner. I just do not get it ??????
Billie Wright
27 Jan 2010, 14:06
This goes out to the folks who are having problems losing weight while you are working out. This happened to me once so I went to a dietician and asked what was going on..........now get ready for the answer........... I wasn't eating ENOUGH! She said it is a necessity to eat 5-6 small meals a day so that my body did not go into "survival" mode and hoard the calories that I was inputting. She put me on a 1,500 a day calorie diet (5-6 small meals a day) and the pounds have been melting off ever since. Here is to everyones success!

Started at 247lb (female)
Current weight: 158 lbs. and still losing.
Carry
27 Jan 2010, 03:53
Wow billz, Amy and Jude, I read your posts about what you're doing and that's crazy that you haven't budged with weight!! I just started working out after about 5 years of being lazy and physically inconsistent. I've made an Excel spreadsheet for each day, weighing myself in the morning (in my birthday suit), and then keeping track of what I eat and the calories I'm putting in my body. I've found that keeping track has kept me honest and less likely to shove my hand into a Doritos bag. It is SO HARD to resist the tasty goodness of things like Spaghettio's and chicken nuggets!! But I found my motivation and it's working. So far I've gone from 124.6 lbs to 121.2 lbs in my first week. My caloric intake ranges from 800-1300 per day. Ive slipped up a few times and had Nachos and a Twix and Coffee Cake. It DID make a difference for about two days.

I think a good mix of weight lifting (more muscle = more calories burned no matter what you do) and cardio (around 1 mile before working out, and 20 min spinning) are necessary for success. Just an opinion, otherwise I have no idea what I'm talking about.

Also I'm wondering - for those who are working out but struggling to lose weight, were you active growing up? Playing competitive sports or skiing, etc? I really wonder if years of being active while young makes a big difference in the ability to lose weight when you're older. Anyway, I think my current weight success is due to being young (24) and having a previously active lifestyle (oh, and starving myself). I'd seriously suggest taking up a sport if anyone is having trouble. Racquette ball (sp?), skiing, basketball. Sports are whole body workouts so it's a lot more calories burning and muscle forming. Or try a triathlon? Also more fun for anyone who loathes mindless running like I do. :) Will update to see if this losing weight continues...it could backfire. Good luck and remember to weigh yourself in the morning only!
bill z
23 Jan 2010, 17:32
i go to the gym four times a week, and run about 5 miles. been doing this for 3 weeks and haven't lost bean. also i eat next to nothing and drink tons of water. what gives?
jeannette
21 Jan 2010, 20:11
After giving birth to my daughter it's been hard to lose my baby weight. A year later and i still couldn't lose it. Finally after exercising everyday and eating healthy i've lost a total of 20lbs, but i'm stuck. I still need to lose about 15 more lbs... i've been running and watching what i eat but i'm stuck and havnt lost any more weight. What do i need to do to reach my goal?
Todd29
19 Jan 2010, 16:09
If you are exercising and not losing weight, in all likelyhood you are probably eating more each day than you realise. Keep a daily written log of everything that you eat and drink each day, to include your daily allotment of clear water. The only way to lose weight is to take responsibility for yourself! Our health is our most important asset. For many people, being overweight is associated with being uncomfortable in their own skin. To assist with weight control; keep a daily food journal and every time the urge to snack is felt, first drink a large glass of clear water. This simple act will help you to eat less. Water will soon become one of your best friends. The major reason so many people in America are overweight is because we eat too much for comfort! It does not hurt to treat ourselves with something special once in a while, what is necessary is that we limit our portions and do not overeat! It is also necessary to keep our body properly hydrated, so drink a full glass of water with each meal or snack. Being overweight ******, but after reading a book, I lost 85 pounds! Words can not express how good I feel! This is a comment which I recently received about the book Lose Weight Using Four Easy Steps
Amy
12 Jan 2010, 11:45
Wow sorry, but I am glad I am not alone. I run six/seven days a week logging 5 miles every run and do weights every other day. I eat about 1200 calories/day. You think I could lose ONE pound - nope. What gives!!! Anyone with some insight please help!
Farah
02 Dec 2009, 16:19
omg woww, i didnt know you can burn calories whilst you sleep, i weight about 125lbs i lost some weight before but it came back on:S i try to do as much as walking as i cam i try getting up as much as possible to burn more calories how many calories should you take in a day to burn 3500 calories easily in a week?
Theresa
19 Nov 2009, 23:36
It sounds like all of us just have slow metabolisms and have to stick with it. I started swimming again about 4 times a week I am in my 40's and I lost 10 lbs in about 3 months...3 months that's it. now after 6 months I have not lost anything. I still swim and added cardio at the gym and lost a couple of more pounds. Now I am going to calorie counter .com and watch my progress this way, swim-walk- and biking about 4 times a week and I will let you know. So far my first week lost 2 ponds. I am 5'4 I eat 1500 calories and watch sugar 40 grams per day, carbs no more than 100 per day and salt intake mo more than 1500 and exercise. This seems to slowly work so far.
Kayla
01 Nov 2009, 18:07
Last year I gained alot of weight and one day I realized how unhealthy I was. My clothes couldnt fit like they use too, I was always tired, unhappy and my confidence began to decrease. At one point I just didn't recognize myself.
I now have been jogging everyday and can run an entire race track without stopping, which is a major deal for me. In addition to this I do brisk walking and other aerobic exercises. Since I have started to become healthier I have lost 10 pounds and can fit in my clothes. However, my weight hasn't changed since. I am no where near my proper weight for my height. I have changed my diet for the better and exercise but my weight is still the same. I don't want to loose focus of my goal because of this. What else can I do to shed the rest? Also, is this weight simply toned muscle that will eventually shed after more exercise?
sheron
30 Sep 2009, 11:02
I have read all the same concerns that I too have, but I have not found the solutions I am looking for. Could I have my body in "starvation"mode? What can I do. I exercise 5xweek and eat 1000+- per day and no loss for two months...WHY...what can I do?
Tasha
20 Sep 2009, 18:09
I started my diet last october, its been almost a year and i kept off 51 pounds. But for a while i wasnt excercing or anything, and i keep the weigh off, but my cloths seemed to get tigether, in my personal opnion its not the num ber on the scale , its based on the inches. I would like to start my diet and excercise again, but i cant seem to get any lower then i already am. Any advice?
Ingrid Brown
25 Aug 2009, 20:06
I am currently on the high school cross country team and I also play soccer and basketball very frequently on a club team.
I weigh 130 lbs. and I am 5'4 which is a bit heavy. But the thing is that I am not slow,even though I weigh that much and I am not super muscular, I have a lot of fat around. I would just like to get slimmer.

I don't eat very unhealthily. I excerise every day for at least 2 hours and it's pretty vigorous excering.

What should I do to lose weight?
Mike
25 Aug 2009, 12:43
I'm 19 years old and recently i've been having the same problems losing weight. At one point i had weight training class in college and i lost about 32 pounds in 2-3 months but now i sort of hit a brick wall now that weight training has eneded. I walk for about 4 hours everyday and eat around 1000 calories of good food like oatmeal, soup, and salad and i don't lose weight nearly as much as i used to.

Going to try to get my cardio up and start running and see if that changes anything. Either that or i'm taking weight training again. Weights>walking it seems and i used worked out a lot of different muscles.
San
24 Aug 2009, 21:11
Hi guys;
I started back a weight watchers 1st week lost 1lb 2 weeks later only .4 after walking treadmill for 1 hour for 5 days. Started at 120
5 weeks later i weigh 118 i walk the tread-
mill every other day now. I am 48. My doctor
me today i am loosing inches i can see my clothes fitting and feel lighter but the scales
are the same i am met a lady early forties and
she was totally fit i talked to her she told me
i am doing something right and that with some
people the inches come off first if i keep at it i will see the weight come off this has really given me hope and i am doing just this.
Hope to see the scales do down one day to 110
Thanks
scolar Soo
20 Aug 2009, 22:33
I also have the same problem, I started working out last summer and within few weeks i had lost some weight. I started out with running, playing soccer and at that time it paid off. However, since July last year have not lost any weight. I have been excercising alot but i dont see any change. I walk for 1hr everyday, i eat healthy, i run but the scale doesnt change. What can i do? I want to loose 10lb before december. Any suggestions?
Damon
20 Aug 2009, 11:50
If you have just started out to workout (first month), it might take your body a few weeks (3-4) to get used to your new life style.

for example, I spin 3 times a week and I do weights the other 3 times, and the last day is my day off the gym. I eat very healthy, and I take all my vitamins plus, fibers (oatmeal, brown rice green tea extract pills) and I drink about 1/2 gallon water everyday, for the first month I only lost 4 lbs, and I was very disappointed despite all my hard efforts. But I didn't give up my second month I lost 7 lbs, and 4th 13 lbs, and then the 5th my body was used to the routine again, So i had to mix things up a bit, but if you are not seeing big weight loss in the first month, don't give up just keep going, drink lots of water, burn atleast 1500 cal. per week, and eat healthy, give it 3 months, and you will be happy.

Thanks
Damon
donatello
10 Aug 2009, 02:25
I walk on a treadmill 30 mins a day, I smoke cigarettes and eat the same food just less of it and I haven't lost even a pound wtf is wrong?
Maria
29 Jul 2009, 17:02
I've been walking everyday for the past couple of weeks and everytime I step on the
scale or even look at it, it still shows the same dang weight. I don't even need to
step on the scale to know what I weigh because it hasn't changed at all.

I'm on weightwatchers just to keep a running track of what I'm eating. I don't use this
as a crutch to eat whatever I want. I don't eat at fast food places. Funny things is I
don't even have a taste for that crap anymore. I don't eat fried foods, I watch my
fats, don't drink soda, and trust me, if I haven't put it on here it doesn't mean I'm
not doing that too. This whole diet thing sucks so bad because it would seem I have to
get a fat pump to get this weight off of me.

I can't believe it when people say it takes a long time to lose weight (of course now
I'm second guessing this now) because when I went to basic training in the military, in
six weeks I lost all the weight in like record time. My body was freaking amazing man. Now, I don't even want to talk about it or I'll throw this keyboard. I have no idea
what I'm doing wrong. I'm watching my calories, walking everyday for hours and the fat just laughs and says "she'll give it up, just ignore her guys and grab that salad...
you know where to put it."
Mel
21 Jul 2009, 17:46
Good luck everyone. For me, the quickest way to lose weight is to combine moderate exercise with a lower carb diet. Hence, I don't eat a ton of fatty meat but start adding in things like cottage cheese instead of potatoes and eliminating breads, etc. The South Beach Diet has a great plan that does generally produce quicker loss. As for your comment Jude, I'm sure you know you shouldn't starve yourself--especially if you aren't seeing any payoff! :) What I find most effective is to actually keep a food diary and eat. For me, I can eat quite a bit, for instance 1400 or 1500 calories a day, of lower carb food and lose (even without exercise), but the second I eat way less, my results just stop and I sometimes even gain weight. No, it doesn't make sense, but my metabolism just quits. Hope this helps! Best of luck.
Josephine
07 Jul 2009, 16:52
Welcome to the club friends! I have been strugling for more than 4 months and I have lost 16 pounds. It motivate me to think that if I loose one pound per week; in one year I will reach my goal.
Jude
30 Jun 2009, 11:25
I have a low activity job (driving). I do treadmill with intervals daily (1 hour). I eat low fat (very low) & only 800 to 1000 calories a day in order to lose weight quickly. It's NOT happening as fast as I think it should with what I take in vs. to what I do. Am only shedding maybe a pound or two a week if I am lucky. I am starving myself with no payoff! I am over 50 (54) and need to lose an additional 50 lbs. for ideal weight. Have lost 50lbs. in last 9 months. Gotta do something!
foz
08 Jun 2009, 19:16
i exercise everyday i do hour treadmill joggin,300 stomach crunches,punching bag for halve an hour and skipping for halve an hour every 2 days healthy eating fruit and vegs, and im not loosing weight ? i also do alot of house work ...........
Rosalie Osorio
08 Jun 2009, 16:36
I have been eating better, strength train 4 days out of the week, walk evenings for 25 minutes since the end of March! I lost 13 pds in the first 8 weeks, but i've been at a stand still for the last 3 weeks! I think I'm taking in too many calories! Trying to stay motivated in Arizona! Help!!!!
Blue
26 May 2009, 09:02
My mum is exercising for hours everyday, but she sill isn't losing any weight. I can't find any explanation for this.
Pattie
24 May 2009, 04:43
I do not take sugar, cakes ,biscuits, I pass water very very frequently, also have diverticulitis so there is no problem there. I tap dance with routines 8 hours a week and also I am very active with charity work.. Why can I not lose a pound in weight
Nilda Armstrong
23 May 2009, 18:29
Very helpful. I am actually going through a situation like this. After hitting menopause I find it harder that ever to shed the pounds even though I am with a nutritionist and have a trainer with whom I work. It seems my body has changed the way it stores and burns fat. And to my disadvantage, I've always been the type of person that burns calories and therefore fat very slowly. Now it has become a real problem!

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