FitnessMagazine.com  > Advice  > Workouts  > Weight Loss
Q and A
  • Print Print

Find Answers
Categories
Ask A Question
My Q&A
Help
Experts
FitnessEditor
see all experts

Why Am I Not Losing Weight?

I work out five days a week and eat less than 1,400 calories a day but I'm not losing weight. What gives?
Submitted by FitnessEditor

Community Answers12
There are lot of factors to consider why one person is not really losing weight. It's not a one size fits all here. I was on the same boat, doing cardio 30mins a day, lifting weights, yoga and pilates for at least 3-5x every week with 1500 cal/day. I reached plateau and what worked for me is that I added variety in my workout (like exploring the bosu and dipping exercises, and taking pole dancing and kangoo, PLUS I became mindful of my pre-post workout food (increase protein intake). :)
Submitted by Glam_Aiye_NYC
Report Abuse
Keep hydrated. Despite x4 weekly Cardio and resistance work outs and a clean diet, my weight refused to go down and I saw no change in my clothing either. I bought a body fat monitor and noticed I was often dehydrated. I upped the water and lost half a kg in a few days. Even in a mild state of hydration your body will store extra fat cells as they hold a lot of water. Get your 8x 8oz cups a day and add an extra 8oz for every 20 mins your work out, it'll flush those toxins and hopeully move some stubborn fat.
Submitted by bexym
Report Abuse
Food for thought: most people have bits of undigested food in their gut- sometimes as much as 3 pounds, regardless of the healthiness of their diet. If your body isn't digesting or releasing everything, not only does it add those few pounds, it can release toxins back into your body, and you may not be getting the nutrition you need for your body to work efficiently.
Submitted by beccasnecca
Report Abuse
I've tried all of these tips except one and none of them worked. I still gained 8-10 pounds per year. I worked out 6-12 hours per week doing cardio and resistance training and eating between 1600-2200 calories per day. Now I am taking amino acids to help with fat burning and increased my protein. My eating habits are pretty clean 80% clean 20% cheat. I workout 30-45 mminutes 3-4 times per day since working out any more than this did not slow down the weight gain and caused major exhaustion.
Submitted by aleatha11
Report Abuse
All great ideas, but make sure to have your thyroid checked too. There are several health issues: Chronic stress. Cushing's syndrome. Hypothyroidism. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).Syndrome X. Depression. Hormonal changes in women. (See http://www.webmd.com/diet/features/why-arent-you-losing-weight). I am making an appointment with an Endocrinologist today. While my Primary Care Doctor says there is nothing wrong with my thyroid, I would feel more comfortable ruling it out with a spec.
Submitted by ddrose02191
Report Abuse
Muscle doesn't weigh more than fat, after all a pound is a pound is a pound. However, muscle is more compact, so you may not see the scale move but your clothes may become looser.
Submitted by m.skogerson
Report Abuse
A lot of people have a tendency to forget that, when you work out and build muscle, you have to remember: muscle weighs more than fat. I have noticed when working out, I may not be losing pounds, but there are significant changes in my body, including the addition of new muscle. That being said, don't be so hard on yourself. Be proud that you're taking the steps to change your life :)
Submitted by tkimmel060907
Report Abuse
Try eating within 30 minutes of working out...lean protiens are key. Working out forces your metabolism to rise; eating sooner than later after a workout allows for a easy digestion, higher natural burn, and the body is more apt to take better advantage of the nutritional elements of the meal/snack. Plus, it is IMPORTANT to maintain a balanced sugar level; your body needs it every an intense work out.
Submitted by crawfordme2
Report Abuse
Your body needs rest too. Be careful not to overwork yourself. Try increasing your weights and resistance training and lowering your cardio. Ladies, you don't get 'big muscles' with weights training, in fact, it burns more calories than cardio (during and after workout) and it gives you a nice toned shape too! I found that cutting out sugar rather than fat was good for me, fat is a great source of energy, i.e. avocado's, nuts, butter (don't go overboard though!) Good Luck!
Submitted by alicefaantaasti
Report Abuse
Rather than relying on the scale, monitor your body fat and measurements. I'm in the same boat- I've been working out five days a week for six weeks and monitoring my food intake closely- but I haven't lost a pound. I have lost several inches in my waist and improved my allover muscle tone, though. It may help to add some variety to your diet/workouts. If nothing else, focus on the fact that you are taking steps to improve your health!
Submitted by tinkyouall
Report Abuse
One thing most people overlook are medications that can cause weight gain. Anti-depressants are notorious for this.
Submitted by newsq
Report Abuse
Preservatives and High Fructose Corn Syrup are added to foods to help preserve them. Guess what those items do inside your body? They sit! As much as possible, stay away from those items. Read the labels. If you're buying dried fruit or frozen veggies, check the labels! Dried fruit is naturally preserved and is naturally sweet. Don't buy dried fruit w/ added sugar & preservatives. Same with frozen fruits/veggies. Make sure you're getting your protein (energy) too! See if that helps!
Submitted by audidog
Report Abuse


Questions You Might Be Interested In
Lose Weight Fast
Losing the Last 5 Pounds
How to Lose Weight While Maintaining Chest Size
Do I Still Need to Lose Weight?
What exercises are the best to get toned abs?
Search For Answers


Welcome, use
to login!
Todays Daily Prize
ADVERTISER