There are some pretty alarming statistics out there concerning the eventual weight-gain following successful weight-loss. However real these statistics may be is debatable, but they are concerning none the less. I read as high as 90% of people will regain all of the pounds lost within five years. And I think I can see why.
As some of you who are regular readers may have seen, my activity level since September has been pretty stagnant. After the Triathlon in the summer, I took a decent amount of time off. Since then I've been battling some lingering health annoyances which has delayed my glorious return to the top of the AFP charts. But the real problem is this: I am still eating like I am training for a triathlon. I am not training for a Triathlon.
I think this is probably a pretty common reason why people gain weight back. They get used to their new level activity, which is typically not at a long term sustainable level. Everyone needs a break sometimes. But while we are at that high level of activity, we eat more and more to keep up with the increased calorie needs. Once the training goes back to normal, or in my case nonexistent, it's pretty difficult to readjust incoming calories accordingly. To be honest, I rather liked being able to eat as much as I want.
The one benefit I have though is this blog. I at least can identify the issue, and see the trends. Each wednesday my weight is thrust back into my consciousness.
I also know how to beat it too. My good old pal calorie counting is making its return back into my life. I know how effective it really is, and how easy it can be with all this new-fangled technology. Feel free to become my friend on MyFitnessPal once again!
I’m right there with you after a three pound weekend! But we did have fun didn’t we?!
Another interesting thing to note. Weight gain can also be attributed to inflammation within the body and not only too many calories. If I eat something that I know I am not supposed to everything else being equal, I gain wt. and then lose it again if I take out the culprit.
This is something that concerns me as well. I’ve lost over 250 lbs and am working on losing more. I’m less worried about not being able to lose more (it’s a concern that’s up there rattling about in my head, but there are higher proiorities, like…) than I am about being able to keep it off once I’ve reached a healthy weight.
Some things I noticed about this article – it’s true that we sometimes put ourselves into an exercise routine that we can’t sustain for long periods of time. I think if one finds themselves unable to keep up with what they’re doing, then yes, a “break” is a good idea, but a “mindful break” in which one does not stop exercising or go back to their “normal” routine, but instead lowers what they’re currently doing until they have a reached a point that they CAN maintain, and once it’s been maintained for at least a few weeks, work on slowly increasing it again as well. High levels of exercise are good for getting to a healthy weight, but if you can’t maintain the levels you’re reaching, they aren’t going to do you much good.
A mindful break should mean that one pays attention to their food intake as well, in fact, recording what you’re eating and drinking would be quite a good idea, because, much like this blog, you’ll be able to see the trends in your eating and make changes as you need to.
Good luck!
Congratulations on losing that much weight! I like the idea of the mindful break, I think that is an important tool when trying to stay on track
Reblogged this on My Struggle – Losing 400 pounds and commented:
Something I find myself thinking about all the time!
I’ll add that I joined a gym (and I am shoveling a lot instead when applicable) with a focusing on getting fitter, but at some point I will have to decided if I need to calorie count again. I feel so good getting a certain level of exercise, but it is a hard call at what point does weight loss become a priority for health again.