Why no weight loss!?

[SMxxx]

Hi been doing this for about 9 weeks now but on week 4. I struggle to lose weight as I have an under active thyroid and other issues which is why I started the plan as I thought getting fit is just as important no matter what size I am. I’m really enjoying being a bit fitter but I must admit I’m slightly disappointed that I don’t seem to have lost any weight though - I thought at least my trousers would be a bit looser! Should I be expecting any weight loss?!

[Gwenllian1 Graduate]

I think it depends on how much to have to lose and on how you eat. I found in the beginning I didn't lose much weight although I did lose an inch or so from round my middle. Now, eight months in, I have lost nine pounds, very gradually. I'm running for longer now, which I think helps, and I've probably slowly changed the way I eat too, eating fewer carbs, more protein and more veg. I feel loads better for it but it's been slow and steady for me! Good luck. You are doing a great thing for your general health and I'm sure a gradual weight loss will come. Don't worry about it, just enjoy the sense of looking after yourself!

[Sillybilly1 Graduate]

That’s a tough one! You will be getting fitter doing this and that’s a good thing...weight loss (with a thyroid issue) is one for your GP. If you’re watching your calories, I would go back to your gp (meds may need adjusting) Congratulations on your progress, keep it going...

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

Not necessarily...as this is not a weight loss programme, you may or may not lose weight. You will feel fitter and you may feel leaner and keener

Eventually you may see results but it can take a while, depending what you are trying to lose. Take a peek at our sister site, Weight Loss NHS..many folk on here are on there also

A healthy eating regime, linked with this is a great combination...but it takes time.

Well done you for doing this..it can only be a good thing

[cheryl_couch_tatty Graduate]

I found I started losing weight when I was running 3 times a week and doing 20 minutes plus running, I didn't really lose in the beginning. I was also on a diet. Good luck with it all. Lots of people say measure yourself too as some lose inches rather than lbs

[VaiBabe]

It depends on what you are eating, as well as a range of other factors. Are you taking Thyroxine? If so, have you had a blood test recently to check your thyroid function? Running for 30-40 mins 3 times a week does not burn that many calories, (despite the fact it feels so hard at times!) so it may be that you are simply not gaining weight, rather than losing it. It might be worth keeping a track of what you are eating - I use MyFitnessPal. Then, if you are definitely using more calories than you are putting in, you can take your tracker to the docs with you to discuss things.

[Mrsflax81]

Hi I have been running with this app for 3 months still only on week4. Also have a thyroid problem so find it difficult to lose weight. I don't think I have lost any weight either which wasn't my intent. More by running it means I can eat a treat occasionally.

I use strava to record my runs and when I signed up I put in an approx weight (I didn't want to weigh myself but have an idea of how much I weigh). After a run recorded it shows how many calories you have burnt. Generally I have burnt 300 calories on the 20mins run section running about 1.5 miles. So 300 calories is nothing in terms of losing weight.

Hope this helps.

Keep on running though.

[ButtercupKid Graduate]

It took me six months to get from start to graduation, carrying an extra person in fat (I call it Ethel !) and I barely lost an ounce. I did get much fitter and I felt much better, more alert and co-ordinated. I didn’t run over summer and I missed those benefits, so I’m back doing it all over again. I’ve shed a stone of Ethel while not running - healthy eating and regular exercise was the answer. So if weight loss is your main goal, you need a healthy eating plan as well as the programme. You can do it ! We’re all here cheering you on x

[Buddy34 Graduate]

I think it's when you are doing the longer runs 3x per week that you start to notice a difference in your body shape . You really have to be mindful of what you are eating as well . It will happen you just need to be patient . Good luck 😊

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

C25K will make you a runner, improve your potential health outcomes in all areas and probably make you happier to boot, but in itself is highly unlikely to cause weight loss.

However, as a runner you have the potential to run further and once you start running for more than an hour, weight is much more likely to shift.

This might explain it to you anitabean.co.uk/https-anita...

[Steppingforward]

I would suggest that if you haven't already you speak to your GP as thyroid issues do impact weight loss. When I saw my doctor almost a year ago to sort out my obesity issue that was the first thing they tested for before dealing with the emotional baggage I was carrying via rational behaviour therapy.

Once you rule out thyroid impact, you don't mention your age but menopause, sedentary lifestyles and age related changes may counterbalance exercise weight loss. I was always told muscle was heavier than fat but no idea if that's true. However, my daughter always reminds me you can't outrun a poor diet.

I actually find running makes my mindset more positive and therefore I am less likely to hit the buns but stress is still a diet risk factor.

I have spent the last year putting my health and wellbeing first with the help of a wonderful NHS gp, physio, medication and gym referral after half of lifetime not dealing but muddling through. Enjoy the running but try doing a life audit for your health and see what else is not helping.

[Rogie55 Graduate]

Hi, I am mature, and over weight with a thyroid promblem. I take thyroxine, I have noticed that now i’m Doing 3 good runs a week, at least 30 mins + the walking, I feel more energetic all through the week. People mention that I am like a jack in the box. I run up stairs, more more often. Dance if I have the chance. I look healthy, eat a healthy diet and my weight is slowly coming down, however it’s gradual, and natural.

The health benefits of C25K are great. My skin looks amazing, my eyes bright. I might be on the curvy side, but I look, fit and healthy, with that smug inner glow of being a runner. Enjoy the process and enjoy the envy of couch potatoes. 🏃‍♀️👍

[Debbi229]

I’m 51 and have had a thyroid issue.. then they took me off meds... now my levels are high again so may go back on them but not yet. You know how this goes with docs. Argh!!!! Anyway.. I was eating strictly 1600 calories a day with zero weight loss. I do strength training in between runs. So I met with a nutritionist at the gym and she said I wasn’t eating enough! What?!?! She said I should eat around 2000 calories a day for what I’m doing exercise wise. I thought she was insane but I googled around and it’s a thing. It’s called reverse dieting. Apparently those of us who have restricted calories for years can slow our metabolisms

down to a crawl and when we increase exercise it makes it worse. She said metabolisms are like fires. They burn fast with lots of wood but slow down to an ember as they start running out. That doesn’t sound very sciency to me lol! I’ve been following her advice for a week. Figure I might as well try it? I’m eating healthy foods, real food and seeing how it goes and lemme tell ya it’s HARD to eat that much in a day! Check it out and maybe meet with a nutritionist?

[SMxxx]

Thanks all. I’m not overly worried about the weight loss which is a turnaround for me. Being fitter is my priority and that is definitely happening. Thyroid is at a good level but I have a good GP who said yes on paper you should be able to lose weight but in her experience it doesn’t happen like that. It helped me to decide that fitness was more important than making myself miserable with a very restricted diet although I generally eat well anyway. So thanks all I’ll keep at it and enjoy the mental and fitness benefits 😊

[Precentrix Graduate]

I've put ON a stone since starting the programme. Don't worry about it, think about fitness and perhaps inches. My BMI is absolutely ludicrous but I wear the same size after putting on the weight so go figure.