Hello everyone!
I started on my weight loss about 4 months ago and I have lost a total of 18lbs so far. However, I haven’t seen any change in inches. All my clothes fit the same, I have before and ‘after’ photos that look no different and my family/friends haven’t noticed any difference either.

About a month ago I started walking for an hour and a half each day (5 days a week) but that hasn’t helped in any extra loss.

I feel like I must be doing something right to have a steady loss on the scales every week but it’s a little disheartening not to see the inches come off too. The actual numbers on the scales don’t bother me too much, I’m more looking for the physical change on the outside so I don’t want to lose hope that it will happen

SW: 192lbs
CW: 174lbs

Is it just a case of shifting a few more pounds before I see any difference at the weight I am/was or is there something extra I can do? I would have hoped to see some change by now but any advice you can give would be super helpful or any similar stories!

Thanks for reading!

Different people lose fat in different places first, but if you keep losing, you'll eventually lose fat everywhere. 18 lbs in 4 months isn't bad. A lot of people would be happy with that progress.

Losing fat is about 80% diet, 20% exercise. What kind of diet are you on?

For exercise I'd suggest doing some strength training in addition to the walking. The more muscle you have, the easier it is to lose fat.

Thank you for your reply!

For my diet, I’ve cut out the carbs and sugar which made up a lot of my diet prior! And also the fizzy drinks, just drinking water now so a big change for me personally.

Thanks for the suggestion of adding strength training. Do you have any info as to what kind of things this should incorporate? I’m a bit of a novice when it comes to the different types of workouts so any tips would be very helpful!

Thank you so much again

I second that people lose fat in many different places. Depending on the shape of your body, you may not lose initially in the areas that are readily noticeable. But mjf is right that eventually weight will come off from everywhere.

Also, your height may make a difference. Depending on how tall someone is, 18 lbs may or may not be a big enough chunk of weight to see a difference. For example, when I lost my initial 18 lbs from 215 to 197, I was comfortably wearing the same clothes and no one noticed a thing. It just wasn't a big enough percentage of my weight to make that kind of difference. But I did feel better just to have a little of the weight off.

Basically, if you keep doing what you know works and have patience, it'll happen.

And congrats on the 18 lbs lost! Great job!

Thanks so much for this, it was very encouraging to read! I guess I just need to stick with it and I will eventually see the results I’m after.
Have to keep reminding myself I’m still doing good for my body regardless!

I think people notice weight loss from the face, first, because that's where they look when they talk to you. Maybe your clothes were getting a little snug and now they fit better. Also, if people see you every day they don't notice the weight loss because it's gradual. You might get a comment if you see someone you haven't seen for a while.

Keep smiling, and love that scale!!!!

As far as adding strength training, I can't say enough about "The New Rules of Lifting for Women". I competed it a few years ago and am just now starting over with it.

You told me what you're not eating, but what are you eating?

For strength training, focus mainly on exercises that work large muscle groups like squat, pushups, bent over row, pullups, and overhead press. If you want to start with just one, I suggest squats. I'd suggest squatting about twice a week, about 2 or 3 sets per day, with a rest between sets. Start with a light weight, and increase it when it becomes too easy. There are videos on Youtube that show how to do each exercise.

Thank you for this, it’s very true! I need to keep focused on the positives

I eat a lot of meat - chicken, red meat and also white fish on the occasion either with green veg or a salad. I’ll also have things like eggs, salmon, nuts, tuna outside of dinner.

Thank you so much for the help with the strength training ideas. So helpful, I shall start incorporating it in to my routine from today!