Trouble losing weight

[Cameron]

Hi everyone,

So I'm a DI college player and I'm 5'8'' 132 pounds and my body fat is 17.5. I've been home training really hard over the break to get ready for our spring season. I was trying to get in better shape and eat really healthy and lose some weight over the break. I've been eating 1200 calories and working out with weights and lots of cardio everyday plus tennis practice every day so I definitely have a deficit of the amount of calories I'm consuming and burning. And I'm also drinking a lot of water. I've been doing this since I got home before Christmas and have not lost a pound. I'm just super confused and frustrated that I haven't been successful and I don't know what I'm doing wrong. So any advice you guys have would be so helpful. Thank you!!

[v-verb]

You're probably losing fat and gaining muscle. Don't worry. Eat right, train hard and get plenty of sleep.

You'll see a difference in a few weeks/months

[OHBH]

Originally Posted by v-verb

You're probably losing fat and gaining muscle. Don't worry. Eat right, train hard and get plenty of sleep.

You'll see a difference in a few weeks/months

Hopefully, but I doubt anyone could gain muscle on only 1200 calories a day.
1200 is way too low you need 1500 minimum for a person of your size if you are working out vigorously everyday. Your diet should consist of a moderate calorie deficit and be high in protein. About 35-40% of your calories should be protein so that makes 130-140 grams of protein per day which will be difficult to get unless you supplement.

[Cameron]

I thought maybe it was muscle too but I don't think so... You think I should eat more? I feel like I have enough energy and I'm scared ill gain weight. I understand I need enough to fuel my body it just doesn't make sense why I haven't lost anything despite working so hard. Maybe less carbs and more protein?

[Steve Dykstra]

Originally Posted by Cameron

I thought maybe it was muscle too but I don't think so... You think I should eat more? I feel like I have enough energy and I'm scared ill gain weight. I understand I need enough to fuel my body it just doesn't make sense why I haven't lost anything despite working so hard. Maybe less carbs and more protein?

You are not losing weight because cutting calories only serves to lower your metabolism as your body fights to make the few calories it gets last longer. If your body is constantly starved for calories, it will lower your metabolism as a survival tactic because it thinks you are starving to death.

[v-verb]

Originally Posted by OHBH

Hopefully, but I doubt anyone could gain muscle on only 1200 calories a day.
1200 is way too low you need 1500 minimum for a person of your size if you are working out vigorously everyday. Your diet should consist of a moderate calorie deficit and be high in protein. About 35-40% of your calories should be protein so that makes 130-140 grams of protein per day which will be difficult to get unless you supplement.

OHBH makes a lot of sense. You need to eat enough so your body doesn't go into starvation mode.

But you should really get some expert advice - see a nutritionist and get the real scoop

[Tennishacker]

Are you a male or female?

If your a male, IMO you are under weight. 5'8" 132lbs.? Wow, hopefully your all muscle.

If your a female, something is not right, 17% body fat is not healthily.

[Sumo]

Originally Posted by Tennishacker

If your a female, something is not right, 17% body fat is not healthily.

Are you saying that's too high? Women carry more fat and 17% is about right on.

[EC230]

I'd have to agree with Tennishacker, regardless of being a male or female, your BMI is in the optimal range. And if you are a female, you are already in the acceptable range for athletes.

So I guess the question I would like to ask is: why do you feel like you need to lose weight?

[ruerooo]

I'm wondering why this player hasn't made this inquiry of her trainer and /or nutritionist ...?

[Cameron]

I'm a girl, sorry I didn't say that, and I will ask my trainers but I'm home for break so I'm not in contact with them at the moment. I guess I just feel like I should lose weight but maybe I'm wrong. Is 17% too high for body fat?

[EC230]

Originally Posted by Cameron

I'm a girl, sorry I didn't say that, and I will ask my trainers but I'm home for break so I'm not in contact with them at the moment. I guess I just feel like I should lose weight but maybe I'm wrong. Is 17% too high for body fat?

In my opinion, I really feel this is something you need to consult with your trainers and possibly a nutritionist first. The numbers that you have provided are all optimal values for someone of your build and gender, with the 17% body fat and BMI being just right. You have to understand, as a female your body fat percentage will always need to be higher than that of a male (from a biological and physiological stand point), so there should not be much reason for you to achieve a lower weight and body fat percentage.

If you're hoping to improve on court performance, then there should be an alternative to it rather than just losing weight, since losing weight for the sake of being lighter and having lower body fat percentage does not necessarily correlate to better athletic ability/performance...

[JRstriker12]

Originally Posted by EC230

In my opinion, I really feel this is something you need to consult with your trainers and possibly a nutritionist first. The numbers that you have provided are all optimal values for someone of your build and gender, with the 17% body fat and BMI being just right. You have to understand, as a female your body fat percentage will always need to be higher than that of a male (from a biological and physiological stand point), so there should not be much reason for you to achieve a lower weight and body fat percentage.

If you're hoping to improve on court performance, then there should be an alternative to it rather than just losing weight, since losing weight for the sake of being lighter and having lower body fat percentage does not necessarily correlate to better athletic ability/performance...

Spot on!

The OP may want to set other fitness goals (specific goals for speed, agility, or endurance) and see if she can meet those first rather than simply worrying about weight.

[Cameron]

Originally Posted by EC230

In my opinion, I really feel this is something you need to consult with your trainers and possibly a nutritionist first. The numbers that you have provided are all optimal values for someone of your build and gender, with the 17% body fat and BMI being just right. You have to understand, as a female your body fat percentage will always need to be higher than that of a male (from a biological and physiological stand point), so there should not be much reason for you to achieve a lower weight and body fat percentage.

If you're hoping to improve on court performance, then there should be an alternative to it rather than just losing weight, since losing weight for the sake of being lighter and having lower body fat percentage does not necessarily correlate to better athletic ability/performance...

I think this is really good advice and I think you're right, no one has told me I need to lose weight I just thought I should and I'm a perfectionist so when I couldn't lose weight it frustrated me but I think it would be maybe unhealthy for me to lose weight as a DI athlete. Thank you for the advice and I will definitely talk to my trainer.

[pvaudio]

Originally Posted by Cameron

I'm a girl, sorry I didn't say that, and I will ask my trainers but I'm home for break so I'm not in contact with them at the moment. I guess I just feel like I should lose weight but maybe I'm wrong. Is 17% too high for body fat?

Ah, this changes the picture entirely. Your stats are actually spot on for a high level female athlete. Disregard my prior post, I assumed you were a male Cameron.

[LeeD]

Those tests don't account for different body types.
I know several 5'8" athletic women (full sport scholarships, basketball and volleyball) who were heavier than you, but were broad built.
Of course, I know several model types at 5'8" who weighed in around 115lbs., totally no reserve, always getting flus or colds, no resistance, and hand to eat a regular schedule.
Healthy is more important than looking skinny for the boyz. At your weight, average built, you're about right in weight.
Get in shape, don't bother obsessing about your weight.

[sureshs]

LeeD knows a lot of women

[Spokewench]

You are good - you don't want to get much lower than 17% as a woman. If you do, you will have lots of other issues; like not having periods, etc.

Best not to go there.

Spokewench

[Steve Dykstra]

Originally Posted by Cameron

I'm a girl, sorry I didn't say that, and I will ask my trainers but I'm home for break so I'm not in contact with them at the moment. I guess I just feel like I should lose weight but maybe I'm wrong. Is 17% too high for body fat?

Sorry I didn't realize you were a girl. I assumed you were a guy. I think it sounds like you are in pretty good shape already. Please ignore my previous posts!

[Cameron]

Originally Posted by Steve Dykstra

Sorry I didn't realize you were a girl. I assumed you were a guy. I think it sounds like you are in pretty good shape already. Please ignore my previous posts!

I think your advice is good regardless if I was a guy or girl. Thanks!