Lost weight, but don't *look* like it??

ScaleHater

Member
Hey everyone. I've dropped nearly 30 pounds, but I honestly don't see a difference. My clothes still fit the same, and it's like my body is resisting change. I've lost an inch or two around my waist (measurements are inconsistent), but it feels like nothing. My family knows I'm taking tirzepatide, and they haven't noticed anything. I'm worried I'm losing muscle even though I eat plenty of protein.
 
It's like a roll of toilet paper. When it's full, you remove a bunch and it still looks mostly the same. But when it's almost empty, even a few sheets make a difference. Weight loss works the same way. I've lost almost 130 pounds, but people started noticing only in the last few months, when I was recomping at the gym and lost maybe 8-10 pounds.
 
Huge congrats on hitting those milestones. You're in a healthier place now and have earned the confidence that comes with it. That said, your worth was never tied to appearance - the person within is what truly defines you.
 
The more you weigh, the more you have to lose before it's visually obvious. Happened to me too. Once you get to a certain point, the losses are way more noticeable. Don't give up hope! The scale is proof it's working, even if you can't see it yet.
 
Like @DocInTheBox said... I'm down almost 100 pounds, and nobody noticed for the first 60. The last 40 pounds have made the visible difference. Keep going! You're doing great!
 
That's why everyone suggests progress pics. If you compare photos, you'll probably see changes even in unexpected places. I lost about 30 pounds, and my waist didn't change much, but my chest and neck looked smaller. Photos are invaluable for seeing progress, even when it's not obvious.
 
Relax. If the scale says you're down 30 lbs, you're moving in the right direction. I felt the same way (now down over 100 lbs). It took me half a year to finally see it myself. People who haven't seen me in years are shocked, but it's harder to notice when you see yourself every day. Same with family. Keep up the protein and exercise to balance muscle and fat loss.
 
Depending on your starting weight and height, 30 pounds might be a huge loss or not so much. I've lost nearly 45 pounds, and only my neighbor has said anything. A lot of initial weight loss is water. Be patient and keep going; it'll get better!
 
Just adding that prioritizing protein won't prevent muscle loss without weight-bearing exercise. I'm sure you know that, but add it if you aren't doing any. Also, visceral fat and fat around organs often goes first. It doesn't make much visible difference but has a big health impact.
 
After losing about 35 lbs, a cardigan that I loved started to look huge. A spring jacket that I thought was a little snug in the fall now feels roomy. My everyday clothes don't feel very different, but I'm starting to see it in other clothes.
 
It won't be obvious until you've lost around 20% of your starting weight. But keep measuring because sometimes the scale stays the same, but inches come off.
 
Did you take "before" pictures? Like, real pictures, not posed ones with makeup and a nice outfit! If you did, take them again. I don't see much difference in the mirror, but when I compared my before pics, I saw a difference, especially in my back.
 
Back
Top