Question:

I appreciate you reading this and please enlighten me if you can. I am 56, have been on Weight Watchers meal plan for 5 weeks now following it almost exactly. I have walked no less than 2 miles (sometimes 4 miles) every single day for 29 days. Some times at a regular pace, other days, I make myself puff for 20 minutes during my walk. My disappointment is that in this month I have lost only 4 pounds. Others on the program have lost 4 pounds in only one week and are not exercising like I am… have I sabotaged myself? I am so discouraged and I have watched every morsel I put in my mouth. Is it possible I am not eating enough? I read so many articles that say it`s the length and consistency of exercise, not intensity when wanting to lose weight and strength training will help. I don`t know what is best for me. I weigh 173 and I would eventually like to get down to about 135. Can you please tell me if I should rebound on my trampoline for cardio instead of the hour walks? Should I implement a strength training regimen of dumb bell exercises a few days a week along with my cardio to boost my metabolism. Should I eat more or not… I am baffled because I have never experienced “no results” or such “slow results” with WW before. I admit that my clothes fit better, but it`s a real discouragement when you don`t see the scale number go down. I realize that slow and steady is recommended, but I need motivation and inspiration by seeing my results a bit quicker. Any advice/in-sight is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time.

Answer:

Think life-style change if you want to lose the weight and keep it off.  Sound and safe weight loss is typically 1-2 pounds per week.  Another important factor is that everyone is different.  We all gain and lose weight our own way.  Don’t worry about others, just focus on yourself.  Adding a weight training routine to your cardio routine will help to improve your health.  Weight training will help increase your metabolism, increase your fat-free mass, etc.  If motivation is a problem, you may want to seek the help of a personal trainer.  Keep up the good work and don’t get discouraged.

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Go to the Exercise and Fitness health topic.