Not losing weight lately?

[movin-Amy]

I've had my fitbit for about 2 months and everyday I have been eating at least 1000 calories less than I am burning (1000 calorie deficit) and for the last couple of weeks I haven't been losing weight at all!
I'm just after suggestions as to why, I've only lost about 5 kgs and still have over 20 kgs to go before i reach my goal.

[Dominique]

First of all, 5 kg in 6 weeks (two months since you started minus the last two weeks with no weight loss) isn’t bad at all: it ’s actually very close to what you’d expect with a 1000 deficit.

How does your average intake compares to your BMR, as calculated with an online calculator such as this one? If you’re not familiar with BMR, it’s explained below the calculator.

How much does your Fitbit says you burn in average? What’s your average step count?

Did you make any major changes to your diet, such as switching to a low-carb diet etc.?

You didn’t provide much background information, but weight loss often isn’t linear and two weeks is still a pretty short period of time, especially in view of losing 25 kg (55 pounds, for those not metrically inclined).

[movin-Amy]

Thanks for your reply, I find that I'm eating a fair bit under my bmr, that i just calculated.

My daily steps vary from 3000-10000 depending on the day, so calories burned according to my fitbit also varies a lot, from 1700- 2600 depending on the day and activities.

I haven't made any major changes other than cutting out regular soft drinks, and just limiting what i eat to about 800- 1400 calories.

[Dominique]

It is generally not advised to eat under your BMR. If your expenditure is 2000 and you’re eating 1000, you’re only eating 50% of what your body would need to maintain its weight: that’s too little. By eating too little, you are accelerating the metabolic adaptation (slowdown of metabolism) that takes place when being in a deficit. That could explain why your loss stalled. Try to reduce your deficit so your intake is at least your BMR. Also take into account your Fitbit could be overestimating your expenditure: for instance, I wouldn’t burn 2600 with 10k steps, and I’m a guy (albeit an older one).