Do I have to cut back calories to lose weight?

I exercise 4-6 times a week--- with about a 600 calorie defecit from just working out--- and eat roughtly 1800 cals a day for my 5'8", 122lb frame. (I model, thus I need to be in tip top shape---please don't tell me I'm underweight- I'm not for my body frame).

I'm very, very relcutant to start cutting back calories, but I'd like to lose 3-4 more pounds while building muscle ect.

Do I really have to cut back calories... my weight hasn't budged for 2 weeks. It's driving me nuts.

I always here to loose weight burn more calories then you eat and excersise more.GOOD LUCK!!

Iv been cutting calories for the summer and lost 15 pounds. im 5'8 went down from 135 to 120. and i exercise. so cutting calores does help for sure

Do you want to lose weight, or lose an inch or two? I would suggest implementing a solid weight program if you're currently just doing cardio. You might not lose weight on the scale, but you will DEFINITELY be smaller if you're eating right.

I've had different results with different techniques. I've had times when I hit a plateau and broke through by simply eating more - fuel for the fire, so to speak. I've also had very effective results by altering my workout. Say I normally do 45 minutes of elliptical and 30-40 minutes of weights a day, swapping up my weight routine to rest whatever body part I most recently worked, but using a pretty steady weight regimen. Do that and only that for too  long and your body learns it (you'd be surprised how quickly your body adjusts) and the same thing that worked a month or so ago isn't working at all. Now, say swap your 45 minutes of elliptical with a 20 minute run and a kickboxing class. Stop using machines as much and mix in freeweights and calisthenics. Suddenly your body is all "hey, there's something new going on! I better kick things up a notch to keep up." And, bam, just like that you're on track again.

Your body's smart. It learns quickly. Try changing things up to give it a kick in the pants, and you'll probably start burning fat again. In my opinion (and this is just an opinion), I wouldn't decrease your calories by more than a couple hundred a day, if at all. I'd give increasing the variety and intensity of your workouts a try and see if that gives you the boost you need. If you have trainers at your gym, see if you can schedule a session with one just to have him/her tweak what you're currently doing and give you pointers. It can be a big help.