What happened

[sxychubbygrl]

Im not sure if this is the right area for questions but here it is. I started my "diet" oct 23rd 2010. The first two weeks I seemed to have toyed around. These past 2-3 weeks i have been more committed, drinking more water, eating more healthier, etc. I also began exercising, walking, aerobics etc. Before the work out phase I was eating 1600 calories a day, and then I began eating 1200-1400. The scale began going down, and then this past sunday I consumed around 1800. The scale then went up about 2-3 pounds. I was a little upset but realized maybe this has to do with the fact I ate something that i hadnt been eating those other weeks, yet based on my current activity level and body size my body needs 2200 calories a day to maintain itself. So 600 extra calories made my weight go up 2-3 pounds? So if I were to continue eating 1800 calories a day, it seems I would gain all the weight back. Did I just screw up my metabolism?

[Leah Parker]

Hello there! There are a lot of factors why you just suddenly gained that much weight. It is not solely because of what you have eaten or your activity level for that particular week. here, let us enumerate each factor that contributes to gaining weight in such a short period of time.

1. too much water in your system do not only cause bloating but also increases weight.

2. Not getting enough sleep. Experts say that lack of sleep can indeed affect the metabolism. People who do not get as much sleep that they need especially during night time tend to over eat during the course of the day.

3. You are stressed. Studies shows that stress can decrease metabolism.

4. You have eaten/taken medicines that can affect your digestion. Some medications have adverse effects on our gastrointestinal system and if you have taken these kinds of medicines, no wonder you have gained so much weight.

5. You have problems with your health. Heart, liver, stomach, GI problems in general can increase weight. Take for example Cushing's disease, no matter how much you eat, your body secretes hormones that inevitably increases weight.

There are other factors too. The only thing that you must remember is that it is quite normal to have an increased of weight. However, if the problem continue to persist even with all the efforts in losing weight, then you might need to see a doctor. Observe your body and the thing that it needs, once you know what work outs for your body, you will now be able to sustain your weight loss regimen.

[jhkoenig]

Also remember that your body is not a machine. Your weight will jump around a bit, even with exactly equal calorie and exercise levels. The tough plateau times will try your commitment.

Stick with it! You are worth it!