Weight Loss

[JuleseyF]

I have been running 3-4 times per week for 4 weeks now my clothes feel just as tight as when I started... I’m a size 16 and my stomach is massive... I have cut down on alcohol and introduced the exercise , my diet is the next step but not seeing any progress. I have even started drinking at least 2 litres of water per day which I never used to drink anymore than 300ml... advice needed as I’m getting to the stage I can’t see the little changes working!

[IndigoBlue61]

Hello and welcome to the Weight Loss Forum JuleseyF 😊

First of all, very well done on the running, you must feel stronger and fitter for that? Exercise has many benefits to our health and well being but unfortunately rarely leads to weight loss ☹️ In what ways have you changed your diet? Portion size is important, but also what we eat. It’s a common mistake to reduce fat but we need fat, it’s an essential nutrient and really good for keeping us full, have a look at this healthunlocked.com/nhsweigh... For further help with food planning and diet see the Daily Diary 😊

You will have been given links to our Pinned Posts in your Welcome message when you first joined, please read them carefully, especially the Welcome Newbies as it has lots of useful information about navigating the forum, Also please read the Security Post as you have used what appears to be your proper name and not locked your post.

This is a very busy forum with lots going on but feel free to ask if you have any questions 😊

Best Wishes in your weight loss journey

Indigo 😊

[Stalk Restart Jan 2024]

Hello, JuleseyF, good to meet you. Well done on the changes you've made so far.

I wonder if you have measured your middle?

I started this weight loss programme 7 weeks ago, I've lost 10lbs and a couple of inches round the middle, but my clothes don't feel any different, they're still uncomfortable, especially when it's hot! It makes me realise how tight I'd let it all become!

I realised after the second week that I need to keep a sharp eye on the calories, and keep to the limit that's appropriate for me.

Good luck on your journey.

[JuleseyF in reply to Stalk]

Hello Stalk

Many thanks for your reply, I haven’t measured my stomach yet but I thought surely by cutting down alcohol and drinking lots of water and running it would make a difference by now. My diet isn’t great but that will be the next step eating more fruit and vegetables.

I will keep persevering however I am quite deflated that my size 16 trousers are cutting into me more than ever. 😢

[Pineapple27]

Hi JuleseyF - well done on your activity levels! Weight loss is about 80% controlled by diet and only 20% exercise, so concentrating on diet is an absolute must - especially making yourself aware of high calorie and not very nutritional food stuffs (all the treats! Chocolate, cake, bread, etc)

Cutting down on pasta, rice, bread, processed carbs (things with flour in), and things which contain a lot of sugar will make a big difference around your middle.

If you weren't exercising previously and have taken up running from having been a bit of a couch potato, some of your problem may also be caused by fluid retention - the body retains water to repair muscles after they've been used. This is usually temporary.

Logging and weighing your food just for a few days will give you an indicator of whether you need to reduce what you consume.

[Tiggerr]

Great going on the exercise JulesyF. I can cycle 150 kms or more in a week and it won't make any difference to my weight if I haven't eaten the right amount. In fact I could still put weight on and I have sometimes.

You're doing some great things and now if you follow the advice of Indigo and Pineapple you will be at a good starting place to take those next steps.