While you're working to lose weight, you're probably desperate to see results. Even if you see a difference on the scale, not seeing it in the mirror can be discouraging. The truth is that changes are often slow to show, especially if you're looking in the mirror 10 times a day. If you can't seem to notice any differences in your body, it could just be a matter of perception.
Bloating
Depending on what type of diet you're following, you might be experiencing some bloating. Diets that are high in fiber can cause bloating in the beginning, until your body adjusts to eating lots of fruits and vegetables. On the other hand, if you're eating too much salt, you might be retaining liquids, which can make you look bloated. Cutting down on sodium and drinking more water will help. When you drink too little, your body holds on to every drop, which can worsen the bloating. When you drink enough water -- at least eight glasses a day -- your body will use what it needs and dispose of the rest.
Own Perception
Because you see yourself in the mirror all the time, it might be possible that you don't notice the weight loss, even if others do. Before you decide that you don't look any thinner, look for a photo a few months old and compare it to a new one. Or take a photo today and a new one after a few weeks. If you've lost a significant amount of weight but still can't see the difference, you might have body dysmorphic disorder, which causes you to obsess over a particular flaw or characteristic. If you suspect you might have a problem, talk to your doctor or a therapist.
You're Looking in the Wrong Places
If you have a large stomach or heavy hips, you might be focusing on that particular area when you look in the mirror. However, you can't lose weight from a specific area in your body. Instead, you lose weight as a whole, from your entire body at once. As a result, it might take some time for your stomach to go down or your hips to appear any smaller. That doesn't mean you're not losing fat from other areas of your body. If you just started your diet, give your body an additional couple of weeks for the differences to start showing.
Your Body Is Changing
As you lose weight, your body composition changes. If you have a lot of weight to lose and you're losing it too fast, you might end up flabby, with an excess of skin. Even if you're lighter, this excess skin can make you look bigger than you are, so it seems like you're not losing weight. The other, more positive option, is that you're developing muscle. Muscle makes you look more toned but it can also make you appear bulky, especially if you're not used to seeing yourself that way. Adding muscle to your body is a good thing, as it will speed up your metabolism and help you increase your rate of weight loss.
References
- "EFT for Weight Loss (EFT: Emotional Freedom Techniques)"; Gary Craig; Energy Psychology Press; 2010
- MayoClinic.com: Body Dysmorphic Disorder
- AskDrSears: Fiber
- "Do I Look Fat in This?: Get Over Your Body and on With Your Life"; Rhonda Britten; Perigee Trade; 2007
Member Comments