When do you notice a difference?
- Thread starter Eoghan
- Start date
I think it depends on the kind of person you are and your self-image. I'm enormously self-critical and so am unlikely to subjectively notice changes.
I've been at this for about a month (at the gym longer, calorie counting for a month) and in the month have lost the maximum amount of weight I can healthily (a kilo- 2.2lb- a week). Up until Saturday I've been scrutinising and asking "can I see a difference yet? why can't I see a difference yet?". I've been feeling some difference in my clothes but not seeing anything. On Saturday I put on a top I haven't worn in nearly a year, which was tight then- it was too loose on Saturday, and I had to mess with it to make it tight enough. That's a difference I can see (and I was thrilled, although to be fair I have no idea what I weighed a year ago). My boyfriend's been telling me for weeks that I'm changing shape, and other friends have commented as well- but apart from that, I mostly can't see it yet (except for some small changes in the size of my stomach. Oh, and I feel firmer in some of my muscles, but it's not something I can "see").
I've been at this for about a month (at the gym longer, calorie counting for a month) and in the month have lost the maximum amount of weight I can healthily (a kilo- 2.2lb- a week). Up until Saturday I've been scrutinising and asking "can I see a difference yet? why can't I see a difference yet?". I've been feeling some difference in my clothes but not seeing anything. On Saturday I put on a top I haven't worn in nearly a year, which was tight then- it was too loose on Saturday, and I had to mess with it to make it tight enough. That's a difference I can see (and I was thrilled, although to be fair I have no idea what I weighed a year ago). My boyfriend's been telling me for weeks that I'm changing shape, and other friends have commented as well- but apart from that, I mostly can't see it yet (except for some small changes in the size of my stomach. Oh, and I feel firmer in some of my muscles, but it's not something I can "see").
As to where you see it, it depends on your body shape. Unfortunately in my experience (and anecdotal evidence from others) you'll lose weight noticeably in your smallest areas first. I know I've put on quite a bit of weight when I have a gut (I tend towards having a small waist), and it's my stomach where even I've noticed a difference. Not so relevant to you, but I've also lost in my breasts as well 
()- which I notice by bra fit rather than appearance. As I'm very thigh-heavy, I'll probably lose there (at least noticeably) last.
()- which I notice by bra fit rather than appearance. As I'm very thigh-heavy, I'll probably lose there (at least noticeably) last.
Eoghan
New member
I'm so pessimistic and feel like what I'm doing is not enough, as far as exercise goes, I was told I need at least 4 hours a week, is this true?
I don't want to put myself down but it's really hard not to, I'm motivated and definitely gonna stick to it but at the back of my mind I feel like I'm doing something wrong
I don't want to put myself down but it's really hard not to, I'm motivated and definitely gonna stick to it but at the back of my mind I feel like I'm doing something wrong
"Need" to for what? If you're in a calorie deficit (either through diet or calories burned- diet is easier) you'll lose weight. End of story (there are other reasons to exercise, but if you're only worried about losing weight, just cut your calories- safely). You can calculate your calorie allowance by using a BMR or daily calorie calculator, such as the one here: (this is from Steve's signature)
I wouldn't worry about your own perception. You see yourself every day so it's hard to see the differences as they'll be so incidental over an hour-by-hour, day by day basis. Look to measurements (chest, waist, hips, other areas you're interested in), the scales, how your clothes fit, and what people (who you trust and who are going to be supportive/ give an honest opinion) say about your appearance, particularly those who you haven't seen for awhile.
I wouldn't worry about your own perception. You see yourself every day so it's hard to see the differences as they'll be so incidental over an hour-by-hour, day by day basis. Look to measurements (chest, waist, hips, other areas you're interested in), the scales, how your clothes fit, and what people (who you trust and who are going to be supportive/ give an honest opinion) say about your appearance, particularly those who you haven't seen for awhile.
I think the answer to your first question depends on how overweight you are. If you are really overweight, would you notice a difference of 3 kilos? Perhaps not. When you are not much overweight 3kg shows up quite well.
Try to have a little patience. If you've got some objective way of knowing if you are losing weight that's all you need to register some positivity. Also if you are exercising, that in itself is something to feel good about.
If you haven't got an objective way of knowing if you are losing weight, get a set of scales or visit the same set of scales at the same time of day on a weekly basis. Personally i think its easier to buy some.
Try to have a little patience. If you've got some objective way of knowing if you are losing weight that's all you need to register some positivity. Also if you are exercising, that in itself is something to feel good about.
If you haven't got an objective way of knowing if you are losing weight, get a set of scales or visit the same set of scales at the same time of day on a weekly basis. Personally i think its easier to buy some.
dwwise83
New member
My starting weight was 244.6 / 5'7" and I first noticed a difference in the mirror around 225 pounds (about 4-6 weeks after starting). I first noticed my clothes fitting better around 235-ish.
Just remember, it is different for everyone and definitely takes at least 4-6 weeks to notice anything. For me, I could tell in my legs, stomach (upper) and around my collar bones.
Like someone else said - have some PATIENCE! You have to think in terms of LIFE-LONG process, not overnight. As long as you are being healthy, exercising, eating right - you will succeed.
Best of luck!
Just remember, it is different for everyone and definitely takes at least 4-6 weeks to notice anything. For me, I could tell in my legs, stomach (upper) and around my collar bones.
Like someone else said - have some PATIENCE! You have to think in terms of LIFE-LONG process, not overnight. As long as you are being healthy, exercising, eating right - you will succeed.
Best of luck!
Hey Eoghan (knew ya were Irish as soon as i saw the spelling of your name!). As every one else has said its a really individual thing. It depends on so many factors (start weight, body shape etc), and what you mean by a difference. I think though the 1st thing most people notice is their clothes feeling loose, that's what happened with me. It gave me the boost to keep going and before i knew it i'd lost a dress size and was starting to see the difference. I know its hard in the beginning particularly if you've a lot to lose (believe me,I know) but its so worth it for the confidence boost you get when you can buy jeans in a smaller size. I love that feeling!