I started WW on April 22... a little over a week ago. Previous to that, I was on the Atkins diet for 16 months. I lost 55 lbs on Atkins... really loved it... but experienced a radical stall. So I decided to switch over to WW. Well... I haven't lost an ounce on WW... yet. My question is this: Since we're all different in sex, age, chemistry and history, how is it that WW can assign a point range based on weight only? It's my belief that because of my age and history that my metablolism is pretty much shot... and I feel that I need to eat less than my point range to lose weight. But that notion is met with such panic and outrage. Anybody else with WW experience finding that they really need to eat less to make it work?

Thanks! Carol

It is based on your weight because your body needs a certain number of calories per day just to go through functions and with added weight it needs more. That is how weight loss is determined. It has nothing to do with being different in sex, age, chemistry and historydifferent in sex, age, chemistry and history.

I can dig out my old textbook and get you a formula for how many calories it takes just to do normal bodily functions before you add movement at all if you want....

Thanks, Kelly... I understand the general concept... but I'm just wondering if lowering my points would be worth a try. As one ages, fewer calories are needed. Also, men burn more calories than women. And what I mean by "history" is... if one has allowed oneself to become obese, metabolism is altered / slowed down, too. I suppose all these points are why there's a range. I guess I've answered my own question: to stay at the low end of the range.

Thanks for responding...

Actually what speeds up your metabolism is exercise and feeding it. W/W is nutritionally and scientifically sound based on research. Lowering your points will probably do the opposite effect and send your body into starvation mode.

You only started W/W 4/22 and there are a few factors that are involved right now. Your body is adjusting to getting carbs that it was deprieved of before. Your body may even gain a bit until it realizes you are really going to let it keep getting those carbs. Your made a big change and your body is going to be shocked for a bit. If you follow W/W (like any other program) you will lose and then learn to maintain. It is when you go off a program when you will gain. Like anything it only works if you work it.

Another item is how much do you need to lose to be at your goal weight? The closer you are the harder those pounds are to take off. I dropped 30 pounds rather quickly when I started but then again I started at 203.6 pounds. The closer I get to goal the more 'strict' I have to be with eating balanced and planning my meals/snacks.

Do you drink your water? That is another good point.

Do you get in at least 2 points a day in REAL fats? Your body needs fat to lose as well as stay satisfied.

Don't weigh yourself daily either. Pick a day and time of the day to weigh and weigh once a week. Your weight can vary up to 2-3 pounds from morning to evening as well as day to day.

What range are you in? Do you eat balanced (or have adjusted it to what will keep you satisified - more/less carbs)? Do you exercise?

Also when you exercise you need to add more points to your day. Most people experience a stall when they exercise because they try to eat less to speed up the losses when effect this does the opposite.

Actually, I have thyroid problems and my metabolism is shot and you don't eat less to lose - you eat more, loose a little slower, and exercise to improve your metabolism. Eating less will make the problem worse. If you really think you have metabolism problems, you should be getting tested so you can get the appropriate medication.

A lot of people do not understand that you have to eat more to lose weight once you are into your program. I've settled into a weird pattern of weight loss, which I don't like. One week I will lose over three pounds, and the next week, I will gain .2-.8, or more, then I will stay there for a few weeks, then BAM 3-4 pounds come off. All of this will doing what I should be doing. I've tried eating more, eating a form of the Wendie plan, working out more, working out less. This seems to be my pattern.

When I talk about this, the majority of the people I talk to tell me to eat less, that I'm eating too much. When I say, maybe I'm eating too little, they all look at me as if I'm not from this planet.

It's so hard to find the right mix that works.

I agree with Caledon, I have to eat within my point range to lose weight. My range is about 24 points per day, I thought if I ate less (17-20 points) I would lose faster and I didn't lose at all. One week I went to a pizza buffet and ate 35 points (for the whole day) and watched my points for the remainder of the week and I lost 4.4 that week! Your body needs fuel to keep the fire going and the metabolism primed or it will go into starvation mode and hold on to what is already there. Give the point system a try and you will see results, I have lost 42 pounds in 16 weeks. (15 more to go to goal) and I will do it!

Thanks, everyone! I got so frustrated losing only .2 pound that first week that I haven't even been counting point THIS week. I'm blaming it on stress: Contractor nightmares, upcoming Mothers Day, barking dogs next door, BF problems, "in-law" pains in the butt, dog sitting for an eldery dog, money stress... you name it! I've sort of kicked WW to the curb, as Dr. Phil would say... but, luckily, I haven't gained anything. Pheeew! I will be counting again diligently starting next Monday.

Somebody told me that after having been low carbing for over a year that perhaps my body was just getting used to adding carbs to my eating again. I've been diligent about keeping my carbs low... NO white stuff (as Oprah would say). Gawd... enough name dropping already!

Thanks again!

It's alot easier to put it on than it is to take it off...look how far you've come-a 55# loss is alot of weight! You can do it, just start with a plan and stick to it. Every day is challenging-that's why we are all here. I tell my clients that everyday they have decisions to make, and they must make the right ones... just like us dieters!

I can sympathize re: the slow metabolism - I am 5' 2", 61 years old, and have always been a relatively sedentary person. The things I love most are reading, needlework, jewelry making, etc - nothing very active!

But I have been on WW for almost a year, and intend to follow the program for the rest of my life. I only need to lose about 5 more pounds (I've lost 36).

I have greatly increased my activity level (walking, and exercising on a Gazelle Edge), and know that I need to keep that up. I have lowered my Blood Pressure from around 140/75 to about 123/60, and my cholesterol and triglyceride levels are excellent.

So, just hang in there, and the weight will come off! I think those of us who fight weight problems are nearly always somewhat impatient and love instant gratification . . . be patient with yourself, and just follow the program.

I salute you for the great loss you have already accomplished! I do agree though, that changing from Atkins to WW is a big change and your body might need a bit of time to adjust to that.

Thanks to Ideal and Dixie for the nice posts. I appreciate the input and encouragement. I did drop a pound last week. It was a freebie... since I'm not counting carbs or points at this time. I'm grateful as **** that I'm not gaining... and elated to have lost that pity pound!

After changing from Atkins to WW, I was able to eat luxuries like SF/FF pudding after over a year of eating largely meat, cheese and veggies. I'm afraid I've gone a bit nuts eating my yogurt with berries, granola... and yes... my body weight in my favorite comfort food of all times... PUDDING! I've taken a bit of a break from counting. I do need to get back on track soon, however. I'm so enjoying being able to wear most of my clothes again. I even went out and bought some new things yesterday... an obnoxious-but-fun Hawaiian shirt, for one thing! I want to know, though... WHY do I look so much better in my own mirror at home than I do in the mirrors at the stores??? YIKES! Time to start counting again!!!