Slow journey at age "51"

I'm beginning to think that at age 51 the process of loosing weight is unbareable. I have been at this since last October and the scales move about 1-2 lbs. a month ( if I'm lucky) , height 5'3". I eat 1200 calories a day and burn about 1800 a day. I always try and end the day with a 500 deficit. My carbs are around 55%, protein 18%, fat 27%. My stats are good and always grade me an "A". I wouldn't dare increase my food intake, I can't fit anymore exercising in on a daily basis. Have a pedometer so know my calories burned are fairly right on. Hardly been able to mvoe the scales since July 8th.  Calorie intake is suppose to be 1450 and burn meter is 1640. I usually burn about 400 extra calories a day. Is it my age stopping me from loosing weight? Is it my metabolism? Is it peri-menopausal?

I have lost 35 lbs. since last October. 10 lbs. of that was in the first month!

Just hoping to get some feedback from someone who has experienced these same problems?

I started calorie counting when I was 54 and lost 50 lbs in 6 months.  I started out obese, found that I could lose mostly by dieting at the beginning, and lost 25 lbs in 2 months on 1000 calorie/day deficits.  As I got closer to normal weight, I had to get deficits with exercise, rather than reduced eating.  I got too hungry, and my weight had dropped enough that I couldn't get much deficit against the 1500 cal/day minimum with food anyway.   It took 4 months to lose the second 25 lbs.

Hmm.  Have you tried really mixing up your food?  I've heard of people who go vegetarian or cut refined sugar / splenda / white foods to give their bodies a kick in the butt.  Not forever, just for 2 weeks or a month to see how it affects them.

Also- if you are using a pedometer, do you have your activity meter set to sedentary?  Otherwise you will be double-counting your exercise.

Another option, you could start drinking green tea 3-5 mugs per day.  It's supposed to be an excellent all natural weight loss boost.

Just a few ideas!  Don't take me too seriously.

Well, I am 52, peri-menopausal, and have no trouble losing weight (of course, I am still obese, the more you weigh the easier it comes off).

Have you tried taking a break from "dieting"?  If you are pretty sure you burn 1800 a day, why don't you try eating your full needs for awhile (as long as it takes to feel re-energized).  Then, you could drop your calories to lose the rest of the weight you want to lose and it might come off easier.  I mean, you have lost more than 15% of your original weight, and people often see plateaus after the first 10%, so your body might have just gotten really efficient.  Maintenance calories might jump-start your weight loss for the final stretch.  Congratulations on your loss to date, and good luck!

HI,

I can understand your frustration. Losing weight and reducing size at any age is frustrating.

Have you considered:

1) that size matters vs. what weight you are at?

2) changing up your exercise routines - maybe doing some substitutions, more weight lifting, etc?

3) making your balance more towards 40/30/30 (ala zone diet)?

I know the phrase, "hang in there" just does not really cut it when you are so frustrated.. I also think that taking some time to "maintain" also is healthy. My first 70lbs - I lost 40 then maintained for a year and then lost the additonal 30. now I am truly stuck on the final 40 to 50 but I really want to be a size 8 at whatever weigth it turns out to be...

Good luck.

Thanks tealparadise, I appreciate your suggestions:

I have tried the green tea, didn't seem to make a difference. I even tried green tea extract pills, no change. As for exercise, yes my activity meter is set to sedentary and only log in exercises that aren't in my regular daily routine.

I might do the cutting sugar altogether suggestion, maybe process of elimination might be something I could try, never thought of that.

Thanks for your input.

Hi,

Have you checked for any health issues that might be fighting against your weight loss. I determined (after 3 decades) that I am Gluten intolerant. I have gone 95% Gluten free, drink lots of water, keep my added sugar intake low and some excercise. I have noticed that my body is responding in very good ways, including feeling better and weight loss. I am also 5'3 and 127 (last check at the doctors) so things are progessing well.

Good luck with this struggle, I totally understand.