Why has my body suddenly stopped losing weight?

Question

I'm a 17 year old girl who's been struggling with my excess little chub all throughout my childhood. Only a year ago, I finally got the opportunity to take some time to myself and work hard to lose those excess lbs. I was 143lbs, and with my diet and exercise, I reached 125lbs. I was ecstatic about my achievement and I couldn't wait to continue in gaining better results.

However, once I reached that 125lb. mark, my body just seemed to have reached its limit, and no matter what I did, I wasn't losing any more weight. If anything, I only gained more muscle weight, but still had the flab.

I'm a short 5'1" in height, so even though my friends and family say that my weight isn't a problem, I would still like to get as lean as possible, without those hard-to-lose love handles, thick thighs, and chubby belly. I've tried looking online for tips and free advice... but no matter where I go, they're always trying to suck me into purchasing something. I don't want to have to do that, and I refuse to buy weight loss pills, or go to a weight loss specialist and spend hard earned money just for them to give me simple advice.

So other than the usual diet and exercise, is there anything else I can do to lose just another 5 or 10 lbs to be healthy, but slim? I've heard that working out TOO much is actually bad for you and works AGAINST your body when it comes to losing weight. I've heard so many stories, that it's hard for me to believe in anything anymore.

Please, I need some expert advice on this. My body isn't going anywhere, and neither is my fat. :D

Answer 1

Change up how you workout, basically your body adjusted to everything you were doing and doesn't have to work as hard as it use to. For example, for people not use to running...when they start running they can't really last long at all... say 2 mins non-stop running, but as they work up to it they last longer and longer, meaning they're body adjusted to it. Another example is weight lifting, you have to increase how much you lift  because they eventually become less of a challenge. This is one reason why interval training is more effective than regular cardio for training. With interval training, you're always "suprising" your body and not adapting to the same thing. I'm not sure what you did for your cardio...but if you walked, mix jogging intervals into it, if you jogged, mix running intervals into it. For example...jog 30 secs, walk 1...repeat this for about 20mins. You can mix it up however you like.

Answer 2

I had the same problem.i weighted 150 lbs and measured 5ft now I am 100lbs.

Here is what I did I am not really sure if it was healthy but it worked. I stopped dieting and stated eating normal (although a little healthier than before).i did this for about 2 weeks and then I sated dieting again. Whenever I would stop losing weight I would do it again, then when I weighted around 105lbs I stated eating really healthy and lost another 5 lbs. I had to exercise a lot because of the excess skin but I still have some love handles and a little flabby thighs but I love my body and am totally happy.

Answer 3

You might not be as "chubby" as you think.  I was like 140 in 6th grade and then I grew 7 inches the next year but still felt bigger than I actually was.  Half of the battle is thinking your still chubby when in fact you aren't.

Answer 4

You've most likely hit a plateau.

My advise:

Have one "cheat" day a week on your diet, where instead of eating the calories to loose weight, you eat the calories to maintain. It may give your metabolism the boost it needs.

Also, have you been doing the same workout routine this whole time? It may be time to switch it up a bit. Instead of walking for 30 minutes everday, try walking for 40 and running 10. You may want to try a totally different activity such a rollerblading or swimming.

You also may want to take a little break from vigorous exercise, and for a week or two focus on maintaining your weight with light activity, then get back into heavy exercising.

I found so much help at caloriecount.com (even if you don't count calories) from fellow dieters going through similar situations.

Good luck on slimming down!

Answer 5

dont do any stupid diet!just eat healthier foods...do cardio and toning exercises in moderation 5 days a week...seems like you hit a plateau...you dont have to lose anymore weight...the flab you have is merely loose skin!you have to watch your protein intake and continue to do more toning exercises...keep to a variety of workouts so that the body just keeps guessing and thats where its tricked to burn fat the most...eat 5 small healthy meals a day and drink enough water

Answer 6

i wish i could help you but i dont know either :[