Stall/ going on 7th week and no loss for the past 4

[MrsM 31]

Is it normal to have a 4 WEEK stall so early on? I have weighed the same for the past 4 weeks give or take a pound. I will be real honest and admit I have indulged a bit for the holidays but honestly, my calorie count is SO low..I can't believe I still have not lost weight even with the indulging, compared to how I used to eat. I know I will do better come the new year but has anyone else had such a long stall so early in the game?

[Traci J. 207]

Your body is probably playing catch up. Check your measurements, when you're not losing weight your body is probably losing inches.

[Johnboy996 11]

I am also at 7 weeks and in about a 2 week stall. Keep hovering around 328-333. Figured mostly because of the holidays and letting my body catch-up and take a break. Just going to let it ride itself out, and it will break soon. My problem is patience in not one of my strong suits.

[PreciousCargo 55]

A "stall" a few weeks out is inevitable, and here's why.

Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet.

As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy -- like, to outrun a saber tooth tiger. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

Breathe, we all experienced this stall and several more along the way.

[thesmilos 144]

A "stall" a few weeks out is inevitable, and here's why.

Our bodies use glycogen for short term energy storage. Glycogen is not very soluble, but it is stored in our muscles for quick energy -- one pound of glycogen requires 4 lbs of Water to keep it soluble, and the average glycogen storage capacity is about 2 lbs. So, when you are not getting in enough food, your body turns first to stored glycogen, which is easy to break down for energy. And when you use up 2 lbs of glycogen, you also lose 8 lbs of Water that was used to store it -- voila -- the "easy" 10 lbs that most people lose in the first week of a diet.

As you stay in caloric deficit, however, your body starts to realize that this is not a short term problem. You start mobilizing fat from your adipose tissue and burning fat for energy. But your body also realizes that fat can't be used for short bursts of energy -- like, to outrun a saber tooth tiger. So, it starts converting some of the fat into glycogen, and rebuilding the glycogen stores. And as it puts back the 2 lbs of glycogen into the muscle, 8 lbs of water has to be stored with it to keep it soluble. So, even though you might still be LOSING energy content to your body, your weight will not go down or you might even GAIN for a while as you retain water to dissolve the glycogen that is being reformed and stored.

Breathe, we all experienced this stall and several more along the way.

This was very helpful!

[Threetimesacharm 1,400]

Try to shake things up a bit: eat a few more calories one day then less the next, stick to low/no carb, I am in an 11 day stall and just lost .6 this morning. Stay away from the holiday goodies, you don't need it, you had the sleeve to be successful, remember the first 6 months are the ultimate time.

[Robyn Owens-Miille 132]

Hide the scale. Literally have someone put it up where you can't find it.

Focus on your body- how your clothes fit better, how much more physical activity you can do now that you couldn't do then, etc. Stop and notice how much better control you're getting of your food, you're drinking Water and eating required Protein.

And, as everyone said, you're in a normal pattern.

[MrsM 31]

I appreciate all the advice..thanks. I know I have heard of stalls...like for 2 weeks or even 3...but 4 weeks seems crazy to me! I do think I am losing inches...my jeans are sooo loose in the legs especially which is cool! Thanks all...I guess I thought I'd be down more by now and like I said, haven't seen too many stalled this long. 2 more days is the new year and all this junky food will finally be out of my house too! Should help I hope!

[MrsM 31]

Try to shake things up a bit: eat a few more calories one day then less the next, stick to low/no carb, I am in an 11 day stall and just lost .6 this morning. Stay away from the holiday goodies, you don't need it, you had the sleeve to be successful, remember the first 6 months are the ultimate time.

And you are SO right! I want to take advantage of this time or what a waste!!!! Thanks Amazon

[ArtSong 291]

At 9 weeks I hit a stall its running 7 weeks strong . Thought I broke it but my nut said no. I have tried it all to bust it but nope so ride it out best we can do.