How is this possible??

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-01-2003
How is this possible??
4
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 5:00pm
Ok, here goes. I've been lurking here for a while, and I really need some help. Trying to lose around 40 pounds. Can't seem to lose any, in fact, I"m gaining. I am 33 year old female, 5 foot 1, 164 pounds. I am fairly active, I try to ride my bike or walk/jog on the treadmill 30 minutes 2-3 time a week, and do pilates 2x a week. I have been following a healthy 1300 calorie plan, mostly fruits and veggies and meat at dinnertime for protein. Drink ONLY water, around 100 oz a day. I have been doing this for 2 weeks, and got on the scale today and guess what ?? I have gained 6 pounds!!!!!! What is the problem?? I am not expecting my period for 2 weeks. I was under the impression that I needed to burn more than I consume. I have done every BMR calculator on the web, they all recommend around 1300 a day for me to lose weight. I should mention that I am hypothyroid, which contributed to most of my weight gain. However, I am on meds for that and it is under control. Any suggestions would be much appreciated!!

Michele from Northeast PA
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 6:15pm

The shortest answer I can think of.....it's muscle. And remember, muscle weighs more than fat.


I've also noticed I tend to gain muscle first, then burn off any fat. So, I gain weight before losing anything. Also, I lost one size of clothing (from a tight 12 to loose 10) and all I lost was a measly 5 lbs. So, it could be muscle.


Also, if you drastcially went from a high calorie lifestyle to a 1300 one, your body can think it's starving and store it all away. But, from waht you wrote, it seems like it could be more of muscle building.


Hugs. I hate gaining...even if it means I'll lose faster. It puts a HUGE damper on things. I'd like to see what everyone else says though.

~Cher




my pet!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-02-2004
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 8:53pm
I totally agree with Cher! Try to hang in there, you are doing such a good job with the treadmill, and the pilates 2x's a week.

Here is something to keep in mind. When it comes to the scale, the effects of exercise just take longer to "see" than the effects of dieting. Yeah, true, you can go on a diet and lose weight pretty quickly, within days even, but in the long run, without the exercise, you are unlikely to "look" any better. Even though exercise takes more time to see the results, (like 3 months to 6 months) the effects are more permanent.

I am going through the same thing. For two years now, I've been trying to lose 10 pounds, and my scale really has not budged. Then finally, I went to get fat tested, and my fat ration went from 30% to 23%, my goal is 21%. I am a lot more toned. But if I just looked at the scale, I would've gotten discouraged and given up.

Also, and this part I just hate, it takes 60 minutes of cardio everyday, AND 2 days a week of weight or resistance training to REALLY change your bod.

I am so discourage, because for me, logging 30 to 45 minutes on the treadmill is HUGE!!! But that is what it takes.

Hang in there. We are all rooting for you. I know what helped for me, and this may seem anal, but it worked, everyday I logged my weight, calories, exercise, measurements,and fat % onto this spreadsheet. Over a period of time, I could totally see a change. And it also helps for that time of the month when you are going to gain weight due to bloat (and eating more calories) I look back at my trend, and tell myself not to worry, because in so many days, I know I will be back to normal, if not BETTER!!!!

Others may also advise to only weigh yourself periodically, at the same time of day, since day to day fluctuations will just frustrate you. I did not have the will power for this. I tried, I even threw my scale away. But then I dug it back out of the garbage, and use it as monitoring tool.

Give yourself some time. I know it is so hard, but you will be so proud of yourself when you do. Nothing comes easy.

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Tue, 07-06-2004 - 9:19pm

Hi Michele and Welcome!
Glad you decided to delurk...being able to post with us will be so much more fun, you'll see!


As for your weight gain, I agree with the others. Plus it could be water weight- did you drink much water before drinking nothing but it?

_____________________________________________________

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-30-2003
Wed, 07-07-2004 - 9:13am
I agree with the other posts. It is probably muscle but way to go on the commitment to exercise.

Robyn