I don't understand how I'm not losing.

I'm not quite sure what I'm doing wrong, and would appreciate any advice you have for me! I'm new at this, and have a lot to learn.

I'm 5'2 and started at 130 lbs, which put me at a BMI of 23.8. I'd like to get to 117, which would put me at a BMI of 21.4. I eat the recommended 1500 calories per day (I'm 19) which equals an average daily deficit of 400-600 calories depending on how many hours I work.

I've been doing this for 3 month, and have actually gained 4lbs. I don't understand, what am I doing wrong? I thought every 3500 calorie deficit meant a pound lost, but by that equation I should have LOST 10lbs, not gained 4!

Thanks so much for your time.

It sounds like maybe you're not accurately counting your calories. Are you exercising? Do you have any "free" days where you don't count? I know I've been cancelling out a lot of my deficit by letting loose on the weekends lately.

maybe you should get tested for hypothyroid or insulin resistance.  Im in the same boat as you.  For three months Ive had a pretty steady deficit and have gained 1.5 lbs.  Im insulin resistant which is also known as metabolic syndrome, so im assuming that my metabolism is just really whacked out which is why the math isnt even close to adding up.   Maybe your the same.

Are you measuring your food very carefully?  A digital scale is the most accurate way to do this so I would suggest buying one if you don't already have one.  It could be that you're just underestimating how much you're eating.  I hope you figure it out, good luck!

Thanks for the replies everyone! I'm definitely measuring my calories accurately. I have a digital scale and weigh everything. I don't have any 'free' days either, so it can't be that. I don't really excercise that much, unfortunately. I have damaged my ankle and am only doing light walking and upper body strength training as a result. I have been tested for insulin issues/diabetes and thyroid problems before, I'm all good there luckily!

I'm a bit worried my metabolism might be damaged. I used to have an eating disorder and am now recovered, but is it possible I damaged my metabolism and I now need less calories to lose than someone else my age, height and weight?

I don't pretend to be an expert, but from what I've read a 'damaged metabolism' doesn't stay that way. It will respond to eating normal levels and resonable deficit eating in time. Ask an expert, but if you really think that might be the problem it may be best to eat at maintenance for a couple of months and then try deficiting again.