I'm very confused. I've been on alli for 4 weeks now and I seem to fluctuate between the weight I was at the beginning of the program and -3lbs. I have gone through a total life-style change in my eating habits and fitness routine.

I eat under 1400 calories a day, I quit drinking soda all together (which is a big deal coming from a severe Diet Coke addict!), I drink a lot of water (I calculate anywhere between 68-136 oz a day), I take Centrum at night along with 1 Alli per meal, and I don't eat anything greasy/fatty.

As far as my activity plan goes, I rarely have a chance to sit at home and just watch an hour of T.V.! I work out for an hour 4 days every week (45 mins of cardio and 15 mins of strength training) and I do plenty of activities when I'm not at the gym: indoor rock climbing, hiking, salsa/swing dancing, etc. I have even squeezed in walking around my school during my planning periods!

I just figured that since I'm so active and eat under 1400 calories that I would've have seen much more progress after 4 weeks! Granted, I do feel healthier and I'm glad that I'm taking better care of myself, but I wish I could SEE results. My clothes aren't any looser, and no one has seemed to noticed that I've changed anything in the past month. I'm going to see a doctor about this in 2 weeks, but I thought I would give a shout out here and see what you have to say. Any ideas?

First, I always feel very proud of those who had decided to take action like I did! So, congrats!  I've been on the diet (and taking pills sometimes 2, sometimes 3 per day) for 2 weeks now and have not lost any weight!  I am very well disciplined and determined, but I have not seen any results.  I work out 3-4 times a week, and am very active both at home and at work!  I just don't understand.  What gives??

Hi al2564, 

First of all, congratulations on making the decision to eat healthy and get moving!  These are some of the best decisions that you will ever make for you, your quality of life, and those around you. 

It looks like you're doing a great job with your diet plan, as well as your exercise.  I would only recommend that if possible, along with your other lifestyle activities, that you increase your workouts to 5-6 days per week.  For weight loss, 60-90 min of moderate-intensity exercise is recommended on most days of the week.  Make sure that you are working within your target heart rate zone, and also make sure that you are including strength training at least 2-3 times per week in your regimen. 

All of that said, because you are being so diligent, you will see results.  Many, many things effect the rate of weight loss including hydration level, hormones, time of day, and body composition changes.  Stay committed and you should see positive results soon.  Also remember that the scale is only one barometer of your success.  I would recommend that you take circumference measurements (waist, hip, chest, thigh and upper arm) to track inches lost. 

Best in health, 

Kelli

Hi Mooshu, 

You should be proud of making such good decisions.  The rate of weight loss is very different, and does depend on several factors such as time of day, hormones, hydration, etc. etc.  Stay the course, stay positive and continue to challenge yourself to reach higher every day!

You will see the great results!

Your friend in fitness, 

Kelli

Well, I haven't had the opprotunity to take my measurements, but this morning, I decided to try on a pair of pre-baby jeans.......and they zipped up! Yaaaay! They are a bit snug, but compared to three weeks ago when they would not zip up at all- WOW! I'm so happy!  All this hard work IS paying off!  I made it a prority to take my measurements when I weigh in this weekend :)

Mooshu, 

Wow...great for you!  Slow and steady...the work will pay off.  Your body is an amazing machine and it will respond to what you are asking it to do.  Whether it is positive (like eating right and exercising) or negative (eating a poor diet and being sedentary), you're body will produce results!

Keep up the great work and please keep me posted with your progress!

In health, 

Kelli