is it possible to not losing any weight from CC?

I'm 5'2", 120lb female.  I started eating 1200 + the calories I burned since 5/17.  I do cardio at least 3 times a week (either walk incline @ level 15 in 2.5Mph or elliptical) and I do 5 sets of 15 sit-ups and 5 sets of weights for my triceps every night.  I have only lost 1 lb so far.  Has anyone experience a similar problem?  How much longer do I need to wait to see results?  Btw, I'm not on a plateau as I haven't lost anything from before :(

It normally takes at least a month or 6 weeks before you see major results.

Your body is still adjusting to your lifestyle change. 

Have you taken your measurements to see if you are losing inches?  If not, then I would suggest doing so this morning and then again next week or even two weeks from now.

First of all, your BMI is at the very low end of the healthy range.  This usually means that someone wouldn't need to lose weight.  Second, your Expediture is 2200 calories. The amount of exercise you are doing is most likely building muscle.  Muscle weighs more than fat.  Try eating more to reduce your deficit.  Or, change your goals and concentrate on strengthening your body.

Have you used the tools on this site to see what your calorie expenditure.  If you are exercising a lot you need more calories.  1200 calories is the minimum that your body needs just to power your normal body functions.  If you are fairly active and are exercising you need to be eating more like 1500-1600 to be losing weight.  This will be less than what you burn. 

If you are eating a lot less than what you burn you could go into what is called starvation mode.  When that happens you will see no weight loss.  I know this works because I had decreased my calories a lot and was not losing weight.  I increased my calories and started losing weight again.

If you are having a problem with this try increasing your calories a little at a time and see what happens.  You will not gain a bunch of weight by just eating 200 calories for a couple of days.

Also, see This Post from back in May, when you asked the same question.  Please do read all the answers.

I am in the EXACT same boat as you, chaue. 5'1" and 122 pounds. (Sorry, 123 lbs because I gained a pound after dieting perfectly for the past week).

I think it's totally reasonable that you asked the question again. The advice that was given didn't work (I suspect clairlaine doesn't find losing weight impossible). It's beyond frustrating. Perhaps someone else will have some suggestions--perhaps a doctor to talk to? It's a serious problem that--if she's anything like me--can lead to real emotional distress.

So again, what should Chaue do? I know we're in the minority--most people can and do lose weight--but what about those of us whose bodies are clearly, obviously, not working right?

She's not eating enough.. 1200 is the minimun she should have period, and she's working out and not adding calories back for that - that's hurting her body and reducing the chances of losing weight.

After reading your earlier post from the middle of May, I think you still must not be eating enough.  Remember you have to eat enough and may even gain weight if you want your metabolism to recover.  

Also, its possible that you haven't given yourself enough time since you started eating more.  Double check what you are eating to be sure you are not fooling yourself.

well i didn't read your previous post, and maybe others are right that you're not eating enough, but maybe you are over estimating what you are burning and underestimating what you are eating? i'm definitelly no expert on how to lose the last pounds, but i still catch myself on not logging something for example i never logged the flavoured water i have every day, cause i thought it's only water and than i read the label and a bottle has 100 cals, so when we're talkin 1200 cals, 100 is a lot.... just a thought...sorry can't really help...but i sure wish you you reach your goal

Hey guys, look again at her post, she explains that she is eating 1200 + exercise calories.

I know it's easy to over look, I do it too.

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I've noticed that about half the people who start CC lose some pounds within the first week.  The other half it takes at least 4 weeks for the scale to show anything.  I'm not sure what the difference is, but I believe it's exercise.

The people who begin with more exercise v.s. eating less and no exercise, tend to hold onto the scale weight, but are able to lose inches.  This is because they are replacing the fat they have with muscle, which also can be gained faster than you lose, so clothing may still fit the same.

I encourage you to stick with it and take a close look to be extra sure you arn't under or over counting calories or exercise. 

I think it is most discouraging because most of us have the impression that it should all fall off in a week.  This is because most diet fads and pills make these promises.  One reason why Atkins is so popular is because in the first week you lose a lot of water weight, which makes people believe it's working.  No one can stick to those types of diets and end up gaining what they lose back once they eat "normally".

If you truely believe that this isn't working, you might want to get your thyroid checked, it can prevent weight loss.

I did eat less before, but not after I sent out my first post and relized that I could be in starvation mode.  So I've started to eat 1200 + calories I burned every day since 5/17, and I've only lost 1lb so far.  I've checked my thyroid when I do my annual body checkup and I have no problems.  I didn't do any measurements but I don't feel that I've lost any inches significantly.  I may have to wait for a couple more weeks to see results, but is there any way to boost up my weight loss progress?

your body may think it is starving and therefore has lowered your metabolism resulting in very little to no weight loss. you have to be sure to eat enough "good" calories (ie lean protein, fiber, whole grains, veggies/fruits) and drink plenty of h2o (8-10 8oz servings daily). exercise is important but do it to be healthy and remember that muscle is much more dense than fat so it weighs more. if you have not lost inches, then you may need to modify your workout routine to meet you individual body needs. speak with a trainer at you gym. keep your spirits up and stress down. you will each your goal in time!

Hey,  I know how you feel.  Ive made pretty drastic changes in my diet and exercise, and have lost a grand total of 3 pounds in three months.  Hang in there, though.  Sometimes it takes a while for your body to adjust, then the weight will start to come off

elaudig, did you lose anything after those 3 months?

I think it is possible that some people don't enter  portions correctly.  I have always been able to lose weight when I count calories, but I always make sure my portions are accurate (sometimes I even overestimate just to be safe).  Also, everyone has a different metabolism.  It is impossible that one formula would be right for everyone.  You just have to experiment.  I don't really agree that eating less than 1200 calories a day prevents you from losing weight, though.  My best friend was stuck at 124 lbs. for a long time and wanted to lose more weight.  She said she barely ate anything, but I know she binged on sweets a lot, i.e. 5 pieces of cake at my daughter's birthday party.  She also worked out everyday.  Right now she has been on the Lemonade Diet (she calls it the Master Cleanse) for about 10 days and is down to 116 lbs.  All she eats, rather drinks, is lemon juice mixed with water and maple syrup.  I would estimate less than 500 calories per day, and she is losing a lot of weight.  I think this is totally unhealthy, and she is probably damaging her body.  I know she will pile the pounds back on when she stops, too.  However, she is losing weight with an intake of a lot less than 1200 calories.

Ok well I am 5'2 and 120lbs.  I know how you feel.  Thing is, it is actually an ideal body weight for your height.  Especially if you are medium boned, which most are.  If you are exercising, along with cc, you are going to be gaining muscle, replacing small amounts of fat at a time.  BUT considering muscle weighs more, you aren't going to lose weight very quickly, you might even gain weight.  You should probably take in a few more calories, allowing your body to adjust to the life style change as it gains "muscle"... then you can start to cc less if you feel the need.  That is what worked for me. 

I lowered my calorie intake slightly, but not much, exercised... gained weight in muscle.... But then after my body adjusted, i reduced my calorie intake, continued to exercise just the same, and got my weight down to 115 in no time at all.

 I hope this helps!

Hello,  you seem to be doing everything right except your workout could use a kick in the butt.  Only focusing on those two muscle sets is not going to help very much.  Start doing more full body exercises, for example:

1.)  3 sets of 5-20 squats (as you can)

2.)  3 sets of "girly" pushups or regular pushups if you can

3.)  back and abs exercises

 There are a million more exercises that can help.  Doing a wide variety will work more muscle groups and you should see more weight loss, or at least measure a decrease in body fat.

But keep in mind that you are at a normal weight for your height, so losing significant weight will require intense physical training.  Less intense physical training will keep you healthy and looking good, though. 

 

 I would estimate less than 500 calories per day, and she is losing a lot of weight.  I think this is totally unhealthy, and she is probably damaging her body.  I know she will pile the pounds back on when she stops, too.  However, she is losing weight with an intake of a lot less than 1200 calories.

No one here argues that you can't lose weight by eating under 1200 calories, but the people here promote only healthy weight loss.  You are correct, your friend is doing something very unhealthy.  I've heard of the 'master cleanse' before and I don't see what's so great about it.  No protien, no fat for 10 days? not good.  Fasting for a day or two can be good for you, but she's very much hurting herself by doing this. ..