Can't lose weight

[Gonk_lover]

I'm 62, post-menopausal and can't seem to lose any weight. According to the NHS BMI calculator I need to lose 20kg.I've been on a calorie deficit of 1500 calories per day and I'm exercising (not much as I have a back problem but walking as much as I can) and in the past month I haven't lost an ounce.

I'm eating the right things and have cut out snacks but the weight just isn't shifting. Am at a total loss what I'm doing wrong. Getting to the stage where all I think about all day is food.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg SS Supercook]

Hi Gonk_lover, and welcome to our weight loss community. You mention that your daily calorie allowance is 1500 ,is that from the NHS calculator? Often we end up eating too fewer calories,our bodies go into “famine” mode and any weight loss is blocked. There should be a range , eg I can eat between 1500-1700 according to the calculator. I suggest that you begin at the middle/higher end of the scale. 20 Kg is a lot to take in, it’s far better to divide the total goal into smaller, weekly losses. 1-2 Kg a week is far more doable.

This is the link to our “What’s Happening Post” where you will find everything that we have to offer. I suggest that you begin with our weekly Weigh In and Daily Diary.

healthunlocked.com/weight-l...

As always we find that participation is the key to success. I hope to see you joining in.

[sarahalice Visitor in reply to TheTabbyCat]

Wow, do you lose over 4lb a week every week?

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg SS Supercook in reply to sarahalice]

That is NOT what I’ve written.

It’s possible to lose FROM 1 to 2 Kg a week

[Gonk_lover 2025 April in reply to TheTabbyCat]

I've been given an eating plan by the dietician at the gp surgery and I'm following it to the letter, even eating the snacks they tell me to have at certain times when I'm not hungry. I'm weighing everything so I know I'm eating the right sized portions but no loss at all. I'd be happy with .5 kg loss, its taken time to put the weight on so not in a rush to lose it, slow and steady would be fine. The dietician seems to think I'm not following the plan but I am and I'm becoming obsessed with what I eat - not good in any circumstances but my daughter is a recovering anorexic and I don't want to show her unhealthy eating habits when she is doing so well.

[TheTabbyCat Administrator 10 kg SS Supercook in reply to Gonk_lover]

Super well done to your daughter, I quite understand that you don’t want to overthink food and what you eat.

It’s good to hear that you’re being supported by a dietitian. Has anyone suggested that you have your thyroid values checked , as this can complicate any weight loss.

[Sharmian350 in reply to Gonk_lover]

Hi Gonk_lover I read your post and I can sympathise with your desire not to get 'over committed/obsessed' with weightloss.

I have been a member of this forum for over a year and I take it very slowly. Sometimes I don't post for weeks, because it is just too much. I suffer from disordered eating (only my BMI stops me from a formal diagnosis of an restrictive eating disorder). My daughter suffers too.

Loosing weight when under these circumstances is very very tough. It is also poorly understood by many dieticians. My GP get it, and I am really pleased about that.

I would love to be 10kg lighter, but not st any cost.

I hope you find a way that works for you. Sending hugs.

[sarahalice Visitor]

But that is still 4.4lbs a week. Even 1kg a week is 2lbs loss. It's best just to look at 1lb a week. Anything extra is a bonus and anything less is just what happens sometimes.

I was just pointing out that's a lot to suggest to lose, to someone, that has stated she's not losing anything.

[PippiRuns 6kg Restart Jan 2025]

I’m in my mid fifties and post menopausal too. I don’t know if my experiences are relevant to you, but here they are:

I learned that my muscle mass was declining, reducing how many calories i burned at rest, so I started strength training and it has really helped my weight loss. I’ve also added more protein to my diet.

I’ve noticed that stress and bad sleep are sneaky culprits that affect my weight loss more than I would have thought.

Best of luck! Hope to see you around the forum.