Hi, Everybody. I'm looking for your experience with "set point"--or any long-ish period with no weight loss. I hesitate to call it a "stall" because I'm actually okay with my present weight, which is only 5 lbs above my original goal. Mostly I'm just curious.

I've been at 140 since June, at least. No gain, no loss. I'm usually around 30-40 carbs, and 1500-1800 calories, and usually turn the ketostix slightly pink. Exercise daily, cardio or weights, for about 45 minutes. I'm 57 yrs old and 63" tall. X-treme pear shape. I haven't weighed less than 140 for at least 20 years, although I've been up and down a few times.

I think this seems like a pretty good maintenance routine--only I'd really like to lose about ten more pounds, if only just to know I could!

I'm devoted to LC for the long term. Do you think there's a chance that in a few weeks or months, I might start to lose again without doing anything drastic?

Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/135/140

Hi Barb

Based on your height, I would guess that your calories might be slightly high for your current weight. (for losing I mean)

I know not everyone goes for the idea of counting calories but I do believe that some of us have to.

I did your BMR and came up with 1280 calories. Including light exercise your daily calories (for maintaining) are around 1,600-1,700.

You might try altering your range from 1,500-1,800 a day down to 1,200 – 1,400 a day. Try it for 2-3 weeks and see what happens.

I know when I dropped a chunk of weight late last year it was the combination of carb and calorie counting that made it happen.

Or, just keep going as you are for a few more months and see if you start losing again. Fortunately, you’re appreciating where you are. Back a few months ago I WASN’T appreciating where I was and just saw that I wasn’t yet at goal. Big mistake. That lead me to gain weight BACK. Not a good plan.

You have a great attitutude about it. I’m sure you’ll figure something out.

Member since 2001
http://www.ilovelowcarb.com
Size 24(start lowfat)/Size 18(start LC)/Size 14/Size 8

It took me a long time to lose the last 10 pounds because I kept regaining and losing the same 2 - 4 pounds. After a couple of months of that, I realize I needed to change something.

I couldn't lose the last ten pounds until I tweaked my eating plan - eliminating or reducing some calorically dense foods, increasing vegetables, and choosing some lower fat foods more often (i.e., fish instead of beef and half 'n' half instead of cream). I watched my calories closely as I was tweaking and, sure enough, I did have to reduce calories go get back to losing consistently.

And, it makes sense - when your body is smaller, it has a smaller calorie requirement. To keep losing, you may need to reduce portions.

I was eating 1150 to 1350 calories while I lost the last 10 lbs. Now that I'm in maintenance, I'm cautiously adding back the calories. Lately, I'm back around 1500-1660. So far, so good - no weight gain yet. But, I'm going to keep an eagle eye on things until I'm sure I've got a new set point established.

~~~Teelbee

174 (Mar. 2002, highest weight), 164 (Jan. 2003, begin LC)
174/132/137-134
remember, amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic

Thanks for the comments. Yes, I think I do need to make a commitment to lower calories--tough as that is to face. Age is a big factor in reducing caloric expenditure, and (uh-oh) I'm older than I was last time I did this weight-loss gig. Thanks, Marcie, for the calculations. I think 1200-1400 is a reasonable target for weight loss--and I know that it will take a bit of sacrifice to get down there.

Teelbee, our experiences (from reading other posts of yours) seem similar. We started LC at the same time, at about the same weight--with a similar goal. You're doing great!

When I get back from a big Wedding Party Weekend coming up, I'm going to climb on that calorie-counting wagon and get my act together.

I'll need to!


Barb L.
Started Atkins January 2003
162/135/140

I'm STILL stuck at around 150 and have been since June also... I'm eating approximately 1300 calories a day, sometimes a little bit less and mostly all is from veggies. I also get in about 35 carbs per day. I've given up cheese, given up nuts, been tested for anything that could be making me not lose -- and nothing! I do walk but don't do major exercise so at this point, it seems as if that's all I have left to try...

LC since 3/17/03
180 / 149 / 130

HarleyGal, I wonder how tall are you? Have you had your body fat percentage estimated or checked your weight with one of the BMI calculators. I'm wondering if it's just that your present weight is really a good weight for you. I've read that the body will resist going below a certain percent bodyfat.

Have you checked your measurements to see if you've lost size while maintaining weight?

I don't know how much you are already walking, but increasing exercise is almost always a healthy option.

~~~Teelbee

174 (Mar. 2002, highest weight), 164 (Jan. 2003, begin LC)
174/132/137-134
remember, amateurs built the Ark, professionals built the Titanic