I don't know exactly how to ask this but are there any ways to counter the loss of libido I've encountered since beginning Alli.  I am making steady progress with my weight loss (down 4 in 3 weeks) and exercise but it seems that the more active I become, the less "active" I become.  I am speed walking 4-5 times a week for a minimum of 30 minutes each time early in the morning (before the summer heat hits) and have recently incorporated pilates into my routine.

Can you offer any advice?  Is there a link between increased exercise and decrease in libido?  Have other Alli users shown a concern for this issue?

Hi Mmelindat,

It is great that you are making progress with your weight loss! 

Often time's people attribute an increase in their libido to becoming more active and exercising.  It could be that due to the fact that you've just started exercising, that you are just to fatigued at this stage.  As your fitness level gets better, you may notice a change for the better.

I have not seen any posts on the site in the past regarding a decrease in a persons libido due to alli.  If the problem persists, you may want to consult with your personal health care professional.

Keep up the good work with your fitness program and diet. 

Good Luck,

Paul

I'd be willing to bet it is fatigue. With my walking plan, I am exhausted after dinner and ready for bed. Here's what I've done to counter that:

Strength training. I've doubled my weight loss (I lost 4lbs this week!) with this alone! I do it with dumbells at home 20-30 min MWF - and I love the attention I've gotton from my husband! I used to be barely able to do 8 girly half-way-down on-the-knees push ups, but I can now do two full push-ups followed by 8 full (floor to extension) on-the-knees push ups, and my boobs have fully benefited! My husband made some positive comments a couple nights ago and I've been walking on cloud nine since then! (I'm a barely there B cup, now a full B :)

I used to walk 60min six times a week. Now I go 60 min three times a week, but I jog 2-3 times a week. I started at 10 min, now up to 30 min. I have a TON more energy, but on my walking days I am exhausted! Jogging requires getting up earlier, but taking a nice warm shower after envigorates me, and a 10-min nap in the afternoon helps counteract the early awakening.

If that doesn't help, get a new hair-cut :D New-found self esteem goes a long ways! I didn't have a professional haircut for over 2 years until 3 months ago! I've had 2 more since then! I feel great about myself and it's made a positive change in my life. Silly, but worked for me!

Good luck! Keep up the good work! Oh, and pilates will help I'm sure! LOL I used to do pilates in the morning, and my husband would peek in at me (as I snapped at him to get out) but he loved it :D

 

GracieLin,

Thanks so much for the input and advice.  I will definately give it a try and see how it all changes.  I will work in the strength training and try to squeeze in a short nap to hopefully have more energy later in the evenings.

It is kinda 2 edged sword b/c although I love the weight loss and improvements in my body, I am too exhausted to share the benfits with my husband;-(

 

Thanks again!

Hi mmelindat,

Great attitude.  Most likely, as you get past this initial stage of fatigue (getting used to really pushing your body to the limits) you should begin to find newfound energy.  And, you can let that energy translate anyway you like!

I hope you start to enjoy the benefits of being in great shape soon.  Keep me posted.

Good Luck,

Paul

Okay, I just have to add my 2 cents for what it's worth.  I agree that your issue is probably fatique at this point.  I have to say that there is an increase in libido with an increase in phycial activity and with the added benefit of increased self esteem and improved body image.  Don't fret for now, your libido will get a boost soon!!!!

 

Hi CandaceT, Thanks for your input. That is generally the case...that the more physically active, strong and fit you are, the more energy you have, better you feel about yourself, and therefore the better the libido. Whenever you begin any new fitness program or change your diet, it isn't unusual to take a little while for your body to adjust to it, even though they are positive changes. Like Paul mentioned before, if the decrease in your libido continues, you may want to consult your health care provider. You may be experiencing other changes in your body, metabolism, hormones, etc. that he/she could diagnose and treat until they are balanced. Best in health to you, Kelli

I am confused and this was the first heading that I thought might know the answer.  Three weeks ago I moved into the next phase of alli.  I was already logging in 6 days a week of walking at 55 minutes per day which I had built up over several months.  Now once I have moved into the next phase it gives me the calorie gap - okay I think I understand that but it is also telling me the following: 

At your current weight and goals, you need to add 3995 steps or 52 minutes of additional activity. With alli® capsules, you would only need 1725 additional daily steps or 22 minutes of activity to manage your weight.

Is it seriously telling me that I need to walk even more to maintain my weight?  People are telling me that I should cut back and throw some weight strengthening in instead.  Anyone have a good answer for me?

Thanks - I appreciate any help I can get.

Heidi

 Hi Heidi,

It is not telling you that you need to walk even more to maintain your weight, exactly.  You must realize that as your fitness level gets better, you are not going to get the same benefits from a workout that was very successful when you started your program.  Your body will need more challenging exercise programs to help you continue to lose weight as you make progress.  Adding strength training to your progam will help a great deal.  It will help you burn calories at a faster rate and promote the production of new lean muscle mass which increase the rate at which you burn calories (even while at rest).  Your exercise program constantly needs to evolve to keep it challenging and to maximixe your ability to lose weight.

As you get better at anything in life, you must make things more difficult to make progress.  Exercise and weight loss is no different.

You are doing great!  Keep up the good work and keep challenging yourself in your exercise sessions and you will

achieve your goals.

Good Luck,

Paul

 

This is a bit disturbing, as prior to taking Alli I was doing 30 minutes a day at 6 days a week on the elliptical along w/ strength training MWF...along with a low fat diet.  And this was getting me no-where which is why I started taking Alli.  My Dr. was also confused by this so she sent me to a nutritionist.  I was eating less than 1,000 calories a day, and she thought I'd sent my body into "starvation mode".  She suggested I increase calories to at least 1200 per day and continue work outs.  This is my first week on Alli, and my activity level has been the same, so I will see if Alli makes any difference.  To step up my activity level is going to be hard...not to mention continuing to increase it when I hit a brick wall.  What have I done to my metabolism????

 Hi rcprincess,

Eating a low-fat diet, along with exercise is very important to achieve your weight loss goals as well as sustain a good, healthy metabolism!  Anything in extreme is counter-productive!  Therefore, eating too little is as unhealthy as eating too much and can definitely effect your metabolism. 

I would encourage you to be consistent with your healthy, low-fat diet and exercise.  By performing both cardio, as well as strength training, you will be reducing fat mass and increasing lean muscle.  This is so important as lean muscle requires more energy to function than fat! Therefore, the more muscle versus fat you have, the more metabolically efficient you'll become, burning more calories throughout the day, even at rest! The alli website provides very helpful animated demos for a full-body workout.  Go to "my activity" and click on "strength training log" to view them.  Most of these exercises can be performed right in the comfort of your home with a few, inexpensive tools such as a FitBall, low to moderately heavy dumbbells, and exercise bands.  Perform ST 2-3 times per week for about 25-35 minutes per session!

With the help of alli, a nutrient-dense healthy diet and regular, structured exercise, you should see positive results!

Best in health,

Kelli