Title: Why am I not seeing significant weight loss despite my efforts?

Introduction:

Officially starting my weight tracking journey on October 1st, I weighed 258.4 pounds as a 6-foot male. Although I have made progress and currently weigh 253 pounds, I have not observed a significant change in weight compared to last week, remaining stagnant at 253 pounds. This article aims to explore potential reasons for the lack of substantial weight loss, despite my efforts to consume fewer calories and engage in regular physical activity.

Insufficient Caloric Intake and Eating Habits:

In an attempt to lose 2 pounds per week, I have been consuming significantly fewer calories than recommended. With a daily intake of around 1500 calories, distributed between one or two meals from 2 pm to 8 pm, I have been diligent in tracking my calorie consumption. However, it is worth noting that consistently eating at such a low caloric intake may result in metabolic adaptation, potentially hindering weight loss progress.

Water Retention and Creatine Consumption:

Apart from managing my caloric intake, I have also been consuming ample amounts of water and taking a daily scoop of creatine. It is possible that the slight increase in weight observed during the week could be attributed to water retention caused by the creatine supplement. Creatine has a tendency to cause water retention in muscle cells, which could potentially mask the weight loss on the scale.

Muscle Development and Body Composition Changes:

Another factor to consider is the possibility of slight muscle gain occurring alongside the fat loss. Engaging in weight training exercises at home, although not consistently, may contribute to some muscle development. As muscle is denser than fat, any increase in muscle mass could offset the decline in overall weight. Therefore, assessing body composition changes can provide a more comprehensive picture of progress rather than solely relying on a scale.

Non-Linearity of Weight Loss:

It is essential to acknowledge that weight loss is rarely linear, and significant drops in weight on a weekly basis are not always expected. Factors such as water retention, muscle gain, hormonal fluctuations, and temporary plateaus can influence the scale reading. Awareness of these variables is crucial to maintaining motivation and avoiding frustration during the weight loss journey.

Conclusion:

Although the lack of significant weight loss despite efforts to create a calorie deficit can be disheartening, it is essential to understand the various factors that can contribute to this. Insufficient caloric intake, water retention from creatine consumption, slight muscle gain, and the non-linear nature of weight loss could all explain the lack of substantial change on the scale. Instead of solely relying on the scale, considering other aspects, such as body composition changes and overall physical well-being, can demonstrate progress made during the weight loss journey.

Officially started tracking my weight on October 1st, I was at 258.4 (6′ male). Today I’m at 253, and I was at 253 exactly a week ago. By the end of the month, I should be down to 250, which is good because I aim to lose 8lbs a month.

However, from last week to this week, I haven’t seen a change. I eat significantly less than what I need and definitely less than -500 calories a day in order to lose 2 pounds per week. If anything, during the week, my weight went up a bit before it went back down.

I eat once a day, or twice a day between 2pm and 8pm, consuming around 1500 calories a day (not intentionally trying to eat that little, but I’m just not hungry). I’m tracking all my calories.

I drink a lot of water and I’ve been taking a scoop of creatine every day. I do some weightlifting at home, though I skip some days.

I do feel leaner and can see that my love handles have flattened and so has my face, but why isn’t there a bigger difference on the scale? Could it be water retention from the creatine? Could it be slight muscle gain?

I weigh myself in the mornings on an empty stomach, wearing pretty much the same clothes (shorts and a shirt).

I understand that weight loss isn’t always linear, but I would still expect to see significant drops week to week.