Hi all -

I am new to posting on this board, although I have been reading these forums for a while.

I am a 47 year old female who is 5'7" and weights 158 pounds. I have been a yo yo dieter the last 15 years. In 2003 I weighed 125. By 2007 I weighed 156. I then lost it and was at 130 lbs. I fluctuated between 130 and 140 - quitting a 29 year smoking habit along the way. And also being diagnosed with Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism. I went on replacement thyroid meds (Synthroid and Cytomel and most recently, switched to Armour) for a mild case of hypothyroidism. Last year, my husband got very sick and during the course of his chemo, I gained 20 lbs over 3 months eating lots of carbs and not exercising. The last year I have struggled to take off the 20 lbs and nothing - I mean NOTHING - has worked. I lose 5lbs and then the weight loss stops. Then I get discouraged and put the 5 lbs back on.

Being hypothyroid throws a wrench into the whole equation. It seems I am very carb sensitive and will gain easily if I have too many carbs in the form of junky breads and sweets. Even too much fruit halts weight loss.

I have been tested and here are my numbers:
RMR = 1426
Calories for weight loss = 1142 to 1426
BMI= 24.8
Body fat = 37%

I want to take off 20 lbs of fat.

Current exercise routine:
Zumba = 2-3x weekly for 50 minutes each session
Spinning/cycling = 1 weekly for 50 minutes each session
Water aerobics = 2-3x weekly for 50 minutes each session
Strength training = 1-2x weekly for 20 minutes - very light strength training

What am I doing wrong? You can be brutally honest with me.

I appreciate your comments. And I'd love to hear from anyone who is hypothyroid and struggling to take off weight!

HBR, welcome, glad to have you join us. I can't really shed any light on why you aren't losing, because I tend to gain/lose the same 5 lbs also, but I suggest you look for a Challenge or Support group to join; small check-in groups make it easier to connect, get involved, and be accountable. We have groups centering around specific diet plans, themes, or age groups, so find one that inspires you and just post to join! Be sure to check out the 40-somethings and Dieting with Obstacles

Oh, thank you! I will start checking out the groups now!