help, not losing weight

Can someone please help me understand. I am 28 years old, I weigh 221 lbs., and I am 5 ft 5 in tall. I have been eating right around 1800 calories, walking at work all day and working out, and lifting weight for about 1 hour per day, but it seems that I am not losing any weight. My clothes seem to fit a whole lot looser and my face really seems smaller, but the scale isn't budging. I'm trying not to get frustrated and give up, but it seems sometimes that my work is in vain. Can someone please help me to understand this? Is it possible that I am gaining muscle, but losing fat. Pleaseeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee help me understand. Thank you in advance....

if your lifting weights 1 hr per day your definately putting on muscle. You should cut back to 3-4 days a week of weight lifting to give your muscles time to rest. You can still do cardio everyday though.

If youre clothes fit looser and you look better, who cares what the scale says?

Hey girl! I'm 28 and 5'5 too

It's got to be muscle gain.

Does your 1800 calorie plan involve lots of healthy non high sodium stuff? Are you drinking tons of water?

well, i do drink quite a bit of water, but not nearly as much as I should. I must admit though my diet does contain quite a bit of sodium, but how can i reduce it

Hey girl, I too have been working out 3-4 times a week for the past 6 weeks, the scales have not budged....at least not downward.  I have gained 3 pounds!!! I drink almost a gallon of water a day and eat about 1700 calories a day...all lowfat.  Frustration is the key word...I'm with you when you say that you are frustrated, I was also.  But, if you take measurements: hips, waist, thighs, and arms, you may be losing inches and body fat.  For example; I had gained 3 pounds but I lost 1/2 inch off my waist and 2% body fat.  Don't give up my friend, I bet it's working.  If you can look in the mirror and see the changes and improvements yourself, then it's working and you are firming up.  Good Luck and don't quit.  Never give up!!!!

Thank you so much. It is nice to know that someone knows where I am coming from. Well, my face if smaller and my clothing does fit a whole lot looser. I guess I should just stop worrying about it, but it's not going to be easy to stay on the diet, but the pounds still look the same. You are right though, I have lost 1 inch off of my waist. Thanks....

You are very welcome and if you ever feel frustrated and just need to vent just drop a line.  Losing weight and keeping it off is a very difficult chore.  It's a life commitment for some of us that have struggled our whole lives with our weight.

Just give it some time.  Usually, when you start a program, it takes a while for your body to adjust.  I know it would be hard, but don't step on the scale for a few weeks.  Just keep doing what your doing and then after you've done it consistently for a few more weeks, then do it.  I think you might be surprised!  As long as your clothes are getting more loose, you're definately doing something!!  Keep up the good work!

Hey! Im 5'9 and currently 223. Im right there with you ladies. I have been doing all right but not lost anything!! UGH! Frustrating. I have lost an inch off of my waist but nothing on the scale. We have to stick to it, the scales will cath up!

As for the sodium, all processed foods are pretty high in sodium. If you are used to having a lot of it then dont worry about it. If you do decided to watch it dont go over 2400mg a day. TRy not to eat packages frozen foods. Eat fresh meats, veggies, fruits and whole grains.