Why can’t I lose weight?

Question

So ever since I had my second baby in summer 2020 I have been carrying around about 30 extra pounds. I have been exercising 5x a week, doing strength training as well as walking about 2 miles a day pushing around a double stroller in my neighborhood, even up and down hills. I honestly don’t eat that much, and I eat quite healthy and clean. I don’t eat junk food at all, I don’t drink soda or sugary coffee, I am even still breastfeeding which is said to burn like 400 calories a day. So why can I not drop a single pound?! No matter what I do or how little calories I consume, my weight is staying exactly the same. I’m so frustrated and feel so bad about myself and I’m scared I’m going to give myself an eating disorder.

Answer

Maybe ur not eating enough... our bodies need to consume a certain amount in order to function properly. Otherwise, it will hold onto what is there to keep functioning. OR, maybe u are building a lot of muscle, which weighs more than fat & can sometimes cause the number on the scale to go up or stay the same. 
How are ur clothes fitting? Do they feel any looser? Do u notice changes in ur body... inches (looking slimmer), having more energy/endurance? If the answer is yes to any of that, then u ARE losing weight/fat & likely gaining muscle. 
That being said, if ur still feeling bad about yourself & worried about an eating disorder, then u really should consult ur doctor, a registered dietitian, and/or a therapist, so u can get everything under control.

Answer

Sometimes when you have PCOS, insulin resistance, thyroid, not sure how long you’ve been at it, the consistency of eating better and exercising, but like you said you are breast-feeding, and you need to increase your eating because you’re basically having your soul sucked out of you, all of your nutrients, etc. sometimes you need to increase your eating because your body goes through phases. Increasing your proteins, increasing your fiber. You also have to remember that because you’re a new mom, I’m sure you’re not sleeping enough. When you don’t sleep enough, your body releases hormones that tells your body to crave, binge, retain water, and so many other things. Do you weigh yourself after you empty your bowels. Sometimes it doesn’t show on the scale, but it shows in your clothing, or measurements, sometimes you’re gaining lean muscle mass or Maybe you were in a plateau and your body has to get used to the new norm. Perhaps you’re not drinking enough water, water is the baseline for everything in balance is your salt and sugar intake, it helps to prevent constipation, and you also need to know that￼ The less you have to lose, the harder it is to lose. That last 20 to 40 pounds, it’s harder to lose and somebody who’s 350 pounds, and can drop weight quickly because they have a lot of weight to lose, and it can come off easier. And normally when you are 350 pounds, a lifestyle change, water weight, makes a huge difference and that’s why they can drop it quickly versus having high calorie intake, a sedentary lifestyle, etc. I got a feeling you need to increase your eating because you are breast-feeding￼. But if it’s not that, I would go and get checked out, perhaps you need some blood work done, and see if they can figure it out.￼

Answer

Muscle does not weigh more than fat.  It's denser than fat and takes up less space than fat but a pound is a pound.  
It seems like you may not be eating enough especially if you're still breastfeeding.  Look into some type of fit bit or whatever device that accurately measures calories burned and compare against the amount you're eating.  
Also look at the other benefits you may be gaining that aren't related to weight loss.  Are you sleeping better? Have more energy? Improved moods?

Answer

Get a blood test done and check your thyroid :)

Answer

Are you sure you’re eating enough calories?

Why can’t I lose weight?

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