Hello...

I quit smoking after 10+ years and am doing well. I started the Alli plan two weeks after that. Ive been in the gym 5-6 days a week, and am at a standstill. I feel better, but dont look better. I gained 2 more pounds the first two weeks, ann now have lost nothing. Advise?

Congratulations!  You've taken on a lot AND you're doing a good job with the exercise.

There's a few things to check for about your weight:

1. Are you eating the recommended amount of calories and fat?  If you're significantly short on either or both, weight loss will be slow or nonexistant.  Take a look at the top two posts on this board for more on why these two are important to success.

2.Are you having too many calories?  The best way to see if your numbers are accurate is to weigh and measure everything for a week.  This is also a great lesson in what portion sizes "Look" like.

Either of these has your weight off balance, and you'll be right on track when you take find wihich of these is holding you back.

I hope this helps.

Pat Baird, MA, RD registered dietitian