Weight gain

[Never-too-old-run]

Is it normal to actually put on a bit of weight when you start running?I 've gained some. Thought I'd be losing a few kilos!!!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate]

I did for a while, but then lost it as I ran more...it then levelled out...lost too much over 2020/2021 and fighting to get some back on.More exercise.. healthy appetite.. all contributing maybe...it should level out xx

[Never-too-old-run Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks, Oldfloss. I thought perhaps (wishful thinking!!) that it was because I'd created more muscle which is supposed to weigh more than fat😃

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Never-too-old-run]

You are right... and muscle will build up and yes you are right... there will be some weight gain, but not that quickly, or that much.

So, to try to explain it, your muscles respond to your efforts running, by storing more glycogen, which, when combined with water in your muscle cells, to give them and you, enough fuel for your run, may up the weight a tad.

But, as you get fitter, you don't store as much glycogen to run, as you have got fitter and better at it! to do the same amount of work.

What has happened to me, is, I used up my natural body fat and then, because I was over running, due to overthinking etc during the height of the pandemic.. I was burning up my muscles too !

Hence my slow build back, with less running and much less high impact workouts and a really careful eating regime designed to put the weight back on, healthily and safely!

It's never easy is it.... but just stay patient and I think you may find it all levels out

[Never-too-old-run Graduate in reply to Oldfloss]

Thanks for the info. The last thing I would have expected was to gain weight so thanks for explaining that in detail. I've been bitten by the bug now so will continue. Just completed my first 30-min run today in fact. Sobering to hear that you actually lost TOO MUCH weight. 🙀 Stay safe and thanks for your replies.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate in reply to Never-too-old-run]

Yes, over worry , overthinking and using my running for some of the wrong reasons . But..getting back slowly.. and feeling good!

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

This article may help explain why you are not losing weight anitabean.co.uk/https-anita...

It is certainly not uncommon.

[Never-too-old-run Graduate in reply to IannodaTruffe]

Thanks Iannoda. Very interesting article.

[MissUnderstanding Administrator Graduate]

I really have to fight the “I have exercised so I can eat a big bag of crisps” logic that means I can end up accidentally overeating. The c25k runs are brilliant for health and fitness but they don’t burn that many calories. Losing weight is mainly diet. I would try and separate the gains you’re making in doing c25k from how much you weigh.

Really good luck with the programme. I do find that when I’m running regularly, I’m more motivated to eat well to support that.

[SueAppleRun Graduate]

Running makes us hungry so it’s easy to put some on in the beginning. You have to run a long way to use up a lot of calories but you will tone up and eventually you might not get hungry after a run