Question about body weight loss changes.

Lost 84 pounds so far. Exercising and eating right and keeping it that way, for keeps. I am 40 years old, was 235 and down to 153. I was loosing about 6-8 pounds per month. I went throught the stand stills where I did not loose anything for a week or two before, but this time the weight won't seem to budge. I have remained at 153 for about  1 1/2 months now. Though I do notice that I have gained more muscle. Some of the sag is going away and my stomach is changing again, getting smaller. But I can feel that I am just not loosing the way I should. Can't seem to loose in the arms unless that will be the last to go. I would like to try and get down to 125-130 pounds and stay around there. I haven't been really eating more or exercising less. Has anyone else ever endoured this problem near the total ending of their weight loss. The last 35 pounds is the toughest for me it seems.

Thanks,

Jan

If you're noticing positive changes I wouldn't worry and hang in there.  Are you measuring yourself?  Have you lost more inches even though you haven't lost any weight yet?

Also, how tall are you?

As you get nearer to a healthy weight (BMI 25) it does become more difficult to keep losing.  You have to be a lot more accurate about your calorie-counting and more conscientious about exercise.  So make sure you're keeping your food diary really spot on, weighing portions rather than guessing.

If you've been dieting for a long time another thing that happens is that your body can get accustomed to less food... and so doesn't burn energy as fast as it once did.   It can help, therefore, to have a day or two where you eat your 'total burn' amount of calories.  

Changing things around can be effective...   New foods, new recipes, new exercises.  Keeping it interesting.

Finally, make sure your calorie intake target is appropriate for your age, size and level of activity.  Too low can be as bad as too high.  Try to keep a 500-700 deficit between your total burn and your calorie intake.

Other than that, well done on your progress so far.  Even if you never lost another ounce you're still a lot healthier now than you were at the outset.  Good luck

Well done on your fabulous achievement so far.  You have achieved an awful lot.

I second what has been said about getting very accurate with portions, and logging foods.  I would also suggest changing your exercise routine, and trying something new (if you do lots of cardio  - you could try HIIT type workouts, or perhaps start some weight training).  I would also suggest that you work out your maintenance calories, and eat at maintenance for a week or two and then start again with a deficit.

Congrats again,

Ax

Thank you all very much for the good advice. I will try my best to take it. Hard to count calories with my life style. Thank you also for the vote on confidence. Boy, that really makes a difference, feels good as your going along. I know I will never go back to what I was. I can just keep moving forward now.

Jan