I've been stuck here in the low 170s. I am getting desperate to shed the next 8ish pounds so I can get to 165. I hope to go lower than that, but that's sort of a mini-goal, and I had hoped a holding point for awhile why I figured out where I was going to be comfortable attempting maintenance.
Still, after over two months I am stuck here in the low 170s. I just don't know what to do anymore. It is SO frustrating. I've never had such a tough time with my weight before.

You're 6'1", according to a fast look, you're healthy BMI is 144 to 182 lbs. It's extremely possible you're body is DONE. It's also possible that you are building up muscles and any fat you could lose is going. A great example is:


This lovely lady lost the fat, gained the muscle and didn't lose a pound. I've heard of this hapening to a few. You're all ready inside your healthy BMI, it's possible you won't lose more pounds. Did you do before and after measurements of waist and hips? Or take pictures? It's possible the change just isn't on the scale but somewhere else.

It's also a great chance of water weight. Muscles tear and water goes to replenish and repair (natural), water will hang out there, especially with extra sodium. Stick to healthy foods and maybe you'll see a change in weight. You can also see your doctor to see if you should lose more weight.

I've been pretty stuck for awhile, but can't say I'm being super strict with food intake. Seeing a slight nudge downward by upping my cardio a bit and my water intake. I was drinking 64 oz. a day and now am averaging 84ish.

Maybe try something different for a week and see if it makes a difference.

Best of luck

No,

I am well above an ideal weight for my body. Doctors suggest 138-145. I have many many pounds to reach that. I do not do much exercise as I am not able due to a physical disability. I do physical therapy and some DVDs that I can modify for my needs. There is no muscle developing. My diet is clean, my calories low enough that I should be losing weight. I do not eat salt, I do not drink soda, and I do not eat sweets.

I really don't think I can drink any more water. I feel like I'm floating and peeing ALL the stinkin' time. I like water, in fact it's all I drink except for the rare glass of juice. I just don't think I can get any more in. I just don't know what else to do. Short of starving myself, which clearly is not a good option, I'm out of ideas.

Do you track what you eat? Count calories?

My husband spent months on his last 10 pounds before getting to goal. He resisted counting calories and said he mentally tracked his food. Finally, he had been about 5 pounds from his goal for months, he signed up for My Fitness Pal and started tracking. He lost the 5 pounds or so and got to goal within a month.

Well definitely trust your doctor. Perhaps you can ask them for advice? My doctor did a blood test and I was HIGH in saturated fats and low in other areas. I basically cut out cheese (which I love) and I started to lose weight and started feeling better. I started to introduce other items I was lacking in and felt a lot better. Maybe you're having something similar? Perhaps too much carbs, or not enough fats, or a mix? Doctor may or may not be able to help.

It also may be just riding it out. If you're counting calories and you're creating the 500 deficit per day (for 1lb a week), then it will have to fall off eventually. Stick with it, Many people have plateaus that will not go away then one day, their body finally cooperates. I myself hit them and then give up, I'm not going to this time. I hope this is the last time I need to start over. I know it's hard, I've been there, stuck on a number. I'm all ready prepared for it this time, I took my measurements, pictures, I'm prepared for it. Just don't quit, because if you do, you risk GAINING weight, which is what I did. So even if the scale doesn't budge, at least you won't go up.

I'm sorry I'm not more help. I have a hard time with the plateau as well. I'm sure I'll need as much support as possible when it hits again.

I agree with kurisitaru about asking your doctor for advice. If this doctor recommended that weight for medical reasons, surely s/he could direct you to information on how to budge the plateau?

Regardless, if what you're doing isn't working (and it's really been two months!) then it's time to make a change. There's lots of information on this forum on things you may try. I know you posted in the 5:2 thread at some point - I would say, if you are going to give that (or any) diet plan a try to shift your weight, stick to it for a few weeks before giving up.

Good luck to you!

Did you try my suggestion?

Working on it now. No change.

Maui, I hear you on the having to pee all the time, but I love water, too !

Wishing you the best

Don't give up! You'll find it!

Did you go 5:2 or Eat Stop Eat method ?

Either way if nothing else changes other than adding one of these two in you will slowly start to lose fat. There is no possible way for your bodies energy needs to be met other than burning fat.

You're not a special snowflake. Your body can't create energy from sunlight. The laws of physics aren't being broken inside your body.

JohnP I did so well with 5:2 I really need to get back to it. Thanks for mentioning it, that might be the nudge I need.

Well, just maintain there for a bit and see if time does the trick. If after another month or three you're still stuck I'd cut calories and carbs a bit. But if you won't go any lower, just work on staying there and let your body rest a bit. No need stressing about it, that doesn't make the weight go away. And I've found myself losing a bit better after just holding steady for a few months. It's a little physical, a little mental, and a lot less stress than tweaking and freaking out.

And worst case scenario, you never lose another pound. But if you can stay where you are with what you've lost, you're doing incredibly well. Don't lose sight of the forest for the trees, or in this case see your final goal as all that is worth attaining and nothing short of it is acceptable. That is very, very self defeating.

By the way you are putting an awful lot of faith into the opinion of one doctor who thinks your ideal weight is 140.

I would suggest you spend a few bucks and get a hydrostatic weighing or decade scan done. Then you will know your body fat percentage with reasonable accuracy and can determine your goal.