signs of losing weight - #15434
I am really confused lately about the signs of losing weight. I started a new diet and exercise routine about a month ago, and I thought I was doing everything right, but I'm not sure if it's actually working. Like, I've been hitting the gym almost every day and cutting back on junk food, but the scale isn't budging much. Some friends told me to look for signs of losing weight, like fitting into clothes better or having more energy, but honestly, I'm not seeing those signs either! Last week, my jeans still felt tight, and I was out of breath walking up stairs, which isn’t normal for me. I even had a few days of feeling super bloated, which was discouraging. I thought I'd have noticeable signs of losing weight by now, but I feel like I'm just in this weird limbo. Are there signs of losing weight that aren’t just about the number on the scale? Like, should I be looking for differences in my mood or sleep patterns too? Or is it just too soon for me to notice any changes? It feels frustrating to not know if I’m on the right track. Any advice would really help!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Weight loss can indeed be a bit tricky to gauge, especially in the early stages, because changes might not always reflect immediately on the scale. It’s actually fairly common to see a slight fluctuation in weight, especially if you’re starting a new diet and exercise routine. This can be due to various factors like water retention from increased muscle activity or hormonal variations. One substantial sign, beyond the scale, is how your body composition might be changing. When you increase physical activity, especially with a new exercise routine, you might be gaining muscle while losing fat. Since muscle is denser and takes up less space than fat, you may start noticing subtle changes like your clothes fitting differently even if the scale doesn’t show a drastic change. Measurements around your waist, hips, thighs, or bust can sometimes reflect these changes more accurately than weight. Looking at energy levels is another useful metric. Consistent exercise can boost your overall energy levels, and though you mentioned feeling out of breath, that is often part of building endurance—it’s also worth noting whether you’ve felt sustained energy throughout the day or a better mood overall. Sleep quality often improves with a regular exercise routine because physical activity can help regulate sleep-wake cycles. You might eventually notice you fall asleep faster or have more restful sleep. Water retention can cause bloating, particularly with dietary changes; keeping hydrated but monitoring your salt intake can alleviate this. If your new diet involves fewer processed foods, bloating can decrease as your body adjusts. It’s critical to track these kinds of non-scale victories, and even feelings of being discouraged can indicate a broader perspective shift occurring on your journey. If none of these signs manifest and you’re concerned or feeling stuck, it might help to reassess your plan or consult a dietitian or a fitness coach to ensure that your approach is healthy and sustainable.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.