Frustrating weight loss
I'm on Weight Watchers. Lat week I stuck to my daily points, limited the amount of "snacky" food I ate, exercised for 1-2 points a day. My clothes are looser. SO WHY DID THE SCALE REGISTER A POUND WEIGHT GAIN???? Yes, I meant to shout. I am so p!ssed. What is the point of doing everything right if there is a NEGATIVE outcome? And don't tell me that fat "converted" to muscle. That does not happen. And anyway, muscle weighs the same as fat. It just takes up less space. I did not turn into Ahnold Schwarenegger (I know I spelled that wrong!) in one week. Could the fact that I quit smoking be slowing (if not reversing) my weight loss? |
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Muscle does not weigh the same as fat!! It has more mass! And the fact that your close are less tight means you are making progress! Congratulations!! 
Sometimes people just go through a plateau. I know it's very frustrating, but don't give up! I bet if you stick to it, by next week you'll see a numerical result. I'm not sure about the smoking thing, but I still think it's great that you're making efforts to be healthier. Sorry about the frustrations though. Hang in there!  |
| Paula - did you eat on the lower end of your point range? You might try eating on the higher end of the point range for a few weeks. I know it sounds crazy, but often it helps stimulate weight loss. And of course, the more water you drink, the more you'll lose, too.
That being said, Stephanie is right about the muscle vs. fat thing and if your clothes are loose, you're definitely on the right track - in spite of what the scale said. Don't be discouraged! You're getting healthy!! |
| Tammy, there are no longer point ranges. You get a fixed number of points, like I get 22 per day. There is still the optional extra 35 points for the week.
A pound of fat weights the same as a pound of muscle (hard to believe, but a pound's a pound the world round). Muscle has a smaller mass, in that a pound of muscle takes up less room than a pound of fat. A body does not convert muscle to fat. Muscle can replace the fat you've lost, but fat does not change to muscle. That would be alchemy! I took my measurements this morning and will take them again next month. That, to me, is the real proof, although the scale is the almighty measurement. |
Paula O. wrote: A pound of fat weights the same as a pound of muscle (hard to believe, but a pound's a pound the world round).
 Well, yes of course!
I just meant you can be smaller and healthier and still weigh the same if you have more muscle than before. (And you're definitely right, fat does not convert to muscle. Although, who wouldn't love that?!) In high school, my health teacher told us the story of how she almost wasn't allowed into the miliatary because her weight was too high and she was considered "obese." However, she had a lower body fat % than most and was very muscular. (And yes, she was a very butch woman) I don't think you should make the scale the "almighty measurement." 
Your actual measurements and body fat %, I think, are much more relevant. I know this is still hard work though. Before we went to the Bahamas in May I wanted to lose 4lbs. That may not sound like much, but it took TWO MONTHS of dieting and exercise and 6am appointments with a personal trainer!!  Ugh! And there were weeks where I didn't feel like much had happened. If you don't have a lot of weight to lose, I think the whole process is much slower.
Good luck though!  It sounds like you are determined and I bet you'll reach your goal weight eventually. |
| Got one word for you sister........ FLUID!!!!!!!!!!!!! Fluid shifts in your body can account for as much as 3lbs in a day.
You've been at this for awhile now so you have undoubtedly reached a point where plateaus are normal and to be expected. YOU CAN'T LOSE WEIGHT EVERY WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!! That is the point of slow progressive weight loss, to loose it and keep it off. Go back to your food diary, sometimes when people are on weight watchers they start to get lazy with their food diary. Make sure you are measuring and recording every bite that goes in your mouth. MOST IMPORTANTLY, DON'T GET DISCOURAGED!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You have done too well for too long to let one lousey pound get you down!!! And yes, the muscle is heavier than fat is just an excuse people use when they gain weight  |
Paula O. wrote: although the scale is the almighty measurement.
Yes, even though I am an intelligent woman I agree with you. Because despite all other signs when it comes to weight loss this is the validation women want most! And I have felt your frustration many times over the last 3 months. As I like to say "It is mathematically impossible NOT to have lost weight." Apparently the Weight Gods do not care about math.
But hey, that is what we on the forum are here for: to yell and scream at when the weight Gods are being mean and not rewarding us for working hard and being disciplined. So go ahead YELL and RANT and SCREAM! But stick with the plan because it is working! So here is a little cheer for you: Go Paula!  Go Paula! GO! GO! GO! |
| Paula, please don't get discouraged. Sometimes when I feel I'm the most mindful of my eating and exercise, I gain a bit, or don't lose. 2 weeks ago I was within 1 pound of goal, and I was SOOOOOOO careful and did extra workouts. Well Saturday (expecting to reach goal) I was up .6. Its a heartbreaker, but sometimes our bodies hold on to what they've got. I know I was true to the program, and I know it will take me a little time, but I know I will make it...as will you....IF YOU DON'T GIVE UP! When we exercise more, sometimes our muscle will hold water to help them repair themselves. When I get stuck, I will "mix" things up a little. Have a tiny bit extra olive oil, cut back on salt, have my larger points meals in the AM instead of at dinner. Fool your body!!!!! It can really help. Hang in there darlin'! We'll make it together! |
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