Weight loss, Plateaus, and Confusion

[Mark Hughes]

I have actively been trying to lose weight for two years, as of the beginning of May. I have lost a total of only 15 pounds in that time. My doctors keep giving me the same information, and advice, but it isn’t enough. I am an active person, I work a job where I am walking at least 20k steps a day, I do heavy lifting, bending, pulling, and pushing. I am always in a caloric deficit, most days I eat once in the afternoon (usually ~500 calories). My weight is 290 pounds, my BMI is 45.4 and my BMR is 3510. I exercise (in the gym) every other day. I’ve begun to go a day or two every week fasting, in order to improve my weight loss numbers, but it’s not having any measurable effect. In total an average day for me has a caloric intake of ~500, and a usage of ~5000.

Why am I not losing weight? From everything I’ve been told a pound of body weight is equal to 3500 calories, if my BMR is 3510, logically shouldn’t I lose weight just by existing? On top of that my activity levels should be providing something, but it seems they are not.

Tl;dr - I’m obese, I’m starving, I exercise, no results, help!

 

[aloe1]

Wow, you need some advice from experts, but I think your calories are way too low and your metabolism has dropped to a starvation level. I would think that with all your exercise at work and in the gym you have a lot of muscle so the BMI numbers may not be accurate for you. Try getting some accu-measure calipers (just search for it, they aren't too expensive and are easy to use ) to see what your actual fat percentage is; you may not be obese at all.

The most important reason for weight management is good health and I doubt that you have been able to take in sufficient nutrients over the past two years. I think you need to gradually begin eating more foods with a focus on good nutrition and providing fuel for your body engine. I am amazed you have been able to keep up such a regimen without serious health problems. Since the doctors haven't been much help perhaps a nutritionist and/or a fitness coach could provide you with the information you need.

 

[Trusylver]

What are you eating and how are you tracking, have you been taking measurements ?

 

[positiveyou]

From what you have posted, it makes no sense, your exercising, by means of walking, gym and general activity - eating less and yet you say your not dropping the fat? If your doctor has hinted at no "medical" reason for this, then i am confused, because the simple less energy in (food) and more exertion (exercise) would generate the body to utilise the body fat stores to generate the energy it requires.
The only option open is either go for another doctors examination and ask for possible reasons, or keep a serious track of intake and what foods / drinks your consuming.

 

[AnxiousAmber]

I'm sorry you're in this position and I imagine it's very frustrating. My advice would be to either seek out a reputable nutritionist or try increasing your caloric intake. Eating 500 calories a day is not the best for our bodies and quite honestly I'm surprised you've been able to maintain that for 2 years. Giving your body such a lack of nutrition can end up screwing with your metabolism, so I wonder if gradually increasing your calories to around 1,200-1,500 a day might help out in the long run. I'm not a professional, but I am a nursing student and I've taken several nutrition classes. Anyway, if you do try increasing your calories, give it a few weeks before you judge the results! I hope you can resolve this frustrating block you're facing!