Has my weight loss window closed?

[kccougar]

In the past when I've felt like I was gaining too much weight I would start exercising and quickly lose 10 pounds. I realize that wasn't a long term solution, but it was usually enough to make me feel like I'd done something good and so I'd get lazy about my exercise regimen and flatten out, eventually putting the weight back on.

This time is different. At Christmas I was back up to 200 lbs, same as early last year. I joined a gym this time and have been religious about going every morning. 6 days a week for about 6 weeks now without missing a single day. I typically walk, run, lift weights or some combination for 50 minutes.

Nothing. Not a pound lost. Am I just getting too old, my metabolism slowing down? I'm 37.

I know that I'm ignoring the diet side of things, but I've pretty much ignored it in the past too and I still lost at least that initial 10 and as much as 17 pounds.

[Donuthole]

Calorie intake is probably a bigger weight-loss factor than exercise for most adults. I'm just speculating, but if you had been as meticulous about watching your calorie intake as you were about your exercise, you'd probably have lost weight without changing your exercise habits at all.

Also, weightlifting isn't a very good way to burn calories unless you are doing it in a form that keeps your heart rate up (circuit training, p90x, aerobic bootcamp, etc). Weightlifting itself burns a ton of calories, but is usually done in 30 second spurts with long rests inbetween.

My guess is that your increase in working out has caused an increase in appetite, which is offsetting your exercise.

[kccougar]

Calorie intake is probably a bigger weight-loss factor than exercise for most adults. I'm just speculating, but if you had been as meticulous about watching your calorie intake as you were about your exercise, you'd probably have lost weight without changing your exercise habits at all.

Also, weightlifting isn't a very good way to burn calories unless you are doing it in a form that keeps your heart rate up (circuit training, p90x, aerobic bootcamp, etc). Weightlifting itself burns a ton of calories, but is usually done in 30 second spurts with long rests inbetween.

My guess is that your increase in working out has caused an increase in appetite, which is offsetting your exercise.

I certainly do need to work on the other half of the equation. Maybe it's time to resurrect my daily food intake thread.

[WashingtonCoug]

It is possible that you're building muscle this time as well. That could be offsetting your weight loss.

[kccougar]

It is possible that you're building muscle this time as well. That could be offsetting your weight loss.

That's what I've been telling myself, but I'm having a hard time keeping myself convinced.

[falafel]

That's what I've been telling myself, but I'm having a hard time keeping myself convinced.

After 6 months you should be able to see some results. You don't look more trim?

[kccougar]

After 6 months you should be able to see some results. You don't look more trim?

Only 6 weeks, not 6 months.

[Pheidippides]

Calorie intake is probably a bigger weight-loss factor than exercise for most adults. I'm just speculating, but if you had been as meticulous about watching your calorie intake as you were about your exercise, you'd probably have lost weight without changing your exercise habits at all.

Also, weightlifting isn't a very good way to burn calories unless you are doing it in a form that keeps your heart rate up (circuit training, p90x, aerobic bootcamp, etc). Weightlifting itself burns a ton of calories, but is usually done in 30 second spurts with long rests inbetween.

My guess is that your increase in working out has caused an increase in appetite, which is offsetting your exercise.

Agreed. In an hour of running, I only burn 600-800 calories. I can easily offset that with one hamburger.

[falafel]

Only 6 weeks, not 6 months.

oops. My bad. But still, you'd think you'd see 2-3 pounds at least! And maybe even some physical change.

[Jarid in Cedar]

Calorie intake is probably a bigger weight-loss factor than exercise for most adults. I'm just speculating, but if you had been as meticulous about watching your calorie intake as you were about your exercise, you'd probably have lost weight without changing your exercise habits at all.
Also, weightlifting isn't a very good way to burn calories unless you are doing it in a form that keeps your heart rate up (circuit training, p90x, aerobic bootcamp, etc). Weightlifting itself burns a ton of calories, but is usually done in 30 second spurts with long rests inbetween.

My guess is that your increase in working out has caused an increase in appetite, which is offsetting your exercise.

This. Calorie reduction is for weight loss. Exercise is for weight maintainence.

[happyone]

In the past when I've felt like I was gaining too much weight I would start exercising and quickly lose 10 pounds. I realize that wasn't a long term solution, but it was usually enough to make me feel like I'd done something good and so I'd get lazy about my exercise regimen and flatten out, eventually putting the weight back on.

This time is different. At Christmas I was back up to 200 lbs, same as early last year. I joined a gym this time and have been religious about going every morning. 6 days a week for about 6 weeks now without missing a single day. I typically walk, run, lift weights or some combination for 50 minutes.

Nothing. Not a pound lost. Am I just getting too old, my metabolism slowing down? I'm 37.

I know that I'm ignoring the diet side of things, but I've pretty much ignored it in the past too and I still lost at least that initial 10 and as much as 17 pounds.

I lost 135 lbs over a year and a half ending at age 49 so, I would say no your window hasn't closed. You will have to focus on your diet(calorie intake) in addition to your exercising.

[RC Vikings]

I've found that as I've gotten older I just can't eat like I used to. It was no problem to drop a quick ten pounds when I was younger but it's not so easy any more. I'm actually down thirteen pounds from where I was last year but it was only through eliminating my late night snacks. I get in at least an hour every day or something aerobic but I had to finally start watching my diet to lose any weight. BTW if you are looking for something that really helps with weight loss just take up x-country skiing. Living here in Iceburg makes it possible for me but after an hour of skiing I am totally spent.

[Eddie]

I don't think your window has closed.

At the beginning of last year I decided I was going to do something. Like you, it was about 45-60 minutes a day 6 days a week - a little longer some days a little shorter on others.

I remember being fairly discouraged at the end of the first month when I hadn't lost a pound. It really took me two months before I started losing anything, and then it was a consistent 1-3 lbs a week I could count on dropping.

I was watching my diet a little - but I wasn't real good about it.

I wonder if it takes a little longer for your body to adjust to the exercizing before you start dropping. Particularly if a change in diet is not a big part of your plan.

[The Fourth Nephite]

I'm 42 this month and I started the South Beach Diet 3 and a half days ago and I've already lost 8 pounds. I also excercise with a stationary bike (30 minutes) or some intensive air guitar rocking out to Blink 182 on the IPOD (60 minutes).

It's been working for me so far. I get to eat steak, chicken, fish, nuts, salad, eggs, beans (ugh), sugar free jello, etc. It works for me so far.

[Shaka]

I'm in your boat. Fortunately I dropped 10lbs in the last thirty and have a good start on the next month. I'm happy because I feel like I'm taking the weight off the right way.

The key for me has been calorie counting. I have a couple of apps on my iPod touch that help me track my diet and my exercise. These tools have really opened my eyes regarding what I eat. I have a hard time eating most fast food simply because I know what it's going to cost me calorie-wise.

Thankfully KFC has a low carb meal that fits the ticket for dinner a few times a week when I'm busy. Other than that I try to eat dinner at home. For breakfast I have a special sandwich made by our short order cook at work. Lunch is usually soup or salad and a roll.

Another interesting thing is I haven't been to the gym yet this week yet I've still lost a couple of pounds. I figure now that I've started down the path as long as I keep the diet in check I'll probably keep losing.