Being in such a compact body of 5'2", a lot of my weight is centralized in my midsection, therefore making me appear very heavy in this area. My start weight was 136 lbs and I've lost 6 lbs of this in a month already. So..yay for that! However, I still feel really heavy in my midsection and I'm finding it even more difficult to fit into my jeans! My love handles and belly does not seem to be losing inches or centimeters, but my arms are starting to feel a tad bit toned as I've been routinely excercising in the mornings before I go in to work. HELP! Also...I've been stuck at the same weight for about a week and a half, so have I already reached a plateau?

Hi recinos112,

According to the alli user guidelines, one would be a candidate to use alli at a start weight of 147 pounds/height of 5'2''.  It may not be a matter of losing weight but dietary changes (a different balance of foods) and exercise specific for the abs.  The exercise specialist may give you some more insight.

Hope this helps.

Sophia De Monte RPh

 I totally understand your pain! I like to tape off and expect immediate signs of change asap! I was (when younger) an aerobics instructor at the university I attended.  Since you carry most of your weight in your midsection it may take a little bit longer to notice a change. You may even see your waist expand. Do not fret it is only temporary, if you are working out and focusing on your abs you are more than likely building up muscle mass. Since Fat takes longer to burn off, the abs are building up under that layer of fat and causing you to expand. But do not worry the more muscle you build the more fat you will burn. You could help the situation by making sure you are getting in at least 30 minutes of cardio 3 times a week and that in conjunction with your toning, caloric deficit and alli will get you awesome and lasting results! You are going to have a fierce mid section. I would suggest you work segments of your abs by doing a variety of spot specific crunches. A great one for the pooch would be to lie flat on your back, palms resting on the floor and do leg lifts ( both legs, knees touching, lifting straight up). You do not want you hips, back or head to move, this is a strong excercise and you may want to work up to it. But it will get some major results and you will have abs like non other!  I envy you on the arms it seems to take me forever to get really good toning on my arms, all thanks to the genes I suppose.  I have a nine month old son and have finally decided that if i want to fit back into my prepregnancy clothes then I am going to have to really get it together nutrition wise and I am really excited to see how well the alli helps me get there! I already feel better and this is only day 2 of taking alli. I know it is right now mostly mental but I do like having that incentive to stick to the diet and that makes me feel lighter! I am a big overeater and boy do I love my carbs! Best of luck to you and I am sure you will not need it!

 Thank you sooo much. That puts me somewhat at ease. You're absolutely right. I feel like my midsection is expanding (especially the love handle areas), but my belly from the front seems to protrude less!  I was wondering why it was becoming difficult to button up my jeans, but your explanation seems to make sense! Thanks again!

 You are totally welcome! Enjoy that new fabulous waist line!