Weight loss slowing as goal nears?

[rcpratt]

I've been cutting for about 12 weeks now, and lost just about 30 pounds. When I started, I figured my goal would be about 170lb (started 6'2'', 210lb), but I'm more concerned with getting rest of my fat than the actual number.

Looking at myself, I don't feel like I look like I've lost 30 pounds, but that's probably normal. I wish I had taken some 'before' pictures. Anyways, now I feel good about pretty much everything except my lower gut and love handles.

Here's the graph of my weight loss:

(edit: changed the trendline to only the pre-spring break part, to enunciate the slowdown)

That gap in the graph was my spring break (didn't have an accurate enough scale to track), and since that time my weight loss has slowed down significantly. Should I expect it to remain this slow and probably get even slower until I reach my goal? I did eat (and drink) pretty terribly over spring break, eating out 5 times plus my mom's food plus march madness will do that to you.

I plan on putting on 15-20 pounds of muscle once I'm done cutting, but summer is coming up and I think I'd just like to go ahead and try to get rid of all this fat. Should I just give up on that goal and put the muscle on now?

 

[MotF Bane]

LOL, you graphed it. AT delivers!

Okay, that aside, have you measured your body-fat, i.e. using a set of body-fat calipers? Also, how good is the food you are eating generally (aside from a bad week)?

IMO though, start putting on the muscle.

 

[M0oG0oGaiPan]

You lost the weight kind of fast. By day 60 you were at about 187. 60/7 ~8.6 weeks. 23lbs / 8.6 = 2.67lbs a week. That might be why the 30 pound loss isn't what you expected. You probably lost more muscle than you would have had you kept your weight loss around 1-1.5lbs a week.

 

[rcpratt]

LOL, you graphed it. AT delivers!

Okay, that aside, have you measured your body-fat, i.e. using a set of body-fat calipers? Also, how good is the food you are eating generally (aside from a bad week)?

IMO though, start putting on the muscle.

Haha, I started writing it down but then I realized that it's just far easier to throw it in Excel.

Haven't measured my body fat. I have a handful of salty snacks a few times a week, but for the most part I eat boneless skinless chicken breast, tuna, and venison (roommate's dad got a bunch from hunting a few weeks ago ). A few drinks a week, but other than that I drink only water.

You lost the weight kind of fast. By day 60 you were at about 187. 60/7 ~8.6 weeks. 23lbs / 8.6 = 2.67lbs a week. That might be why the 30 pound loss isn't what you expected. You probably lost more muscle than you would have had you kept your weight loss around 1-1.5lbs a week.

It was a bit fast, but I don't think I've lost too much muscle. Aside from my lifts going up the first two weeks or so, they've remained completely constant for the whole time, except for a few small gains as I touched up my technique.

Friends and family think I look a lot different, I think it's just a self-perception thing.

 

[brikis98]

As your bodyweight decreases, your BMR decreases as well. That means that if you were eating the same amount now as when your weight loss started, your caloric deficit won't be as large. Moreover, if a lot of the weight lost was muscle and not just fat (which can happen if you aren't doing weight training & lose weight quickly), then your BMR will drop even more. Finally, as a general rule, it is harder to lose weight when you have a lower body fat percentage - the body just fights harder to hold onto the bodyweight it has.

 

[Deeko]

As your bodyweight decreases, your BMR decreases as well. That means that if you were eating the same amount now as when your weight loss started, your caloric deficit won't be as large. Moreover, if a lot of the weight lost was muscle and not just fat (which can happen if you aren't doing weight training & lose weight quickly), then your BMR will drop even more. Finally, as a general rule, it is harder to lose weight when you have a lower body fat percentage - the body just fights harder to hold onto the bodyweight it has.

Pretty much this.

 

[rcpratt]

As your bodyweight decreases, your BMR decreases as well. That means that if you were eating the same amount now as when your weight loss started, your caloric deficit won't be as large. Moreover, if a lot of the weight lost was muscle and not just fat (which can happen if you aren't doing weight training & lose weight quickly), then your BMR will drop even more. Finally, as a general rule, it is harder to lose weight when you have a lower body fat percentage - the body just fights harder to hold onto the bodyweight it has.

Well, I guess I have plenty of excuses then. Any opinions on whether I should fight these last 8-10 pounds off or just start bulking?

 

[brikis98]

Well, I guess I have plenty of excuses then. Any opinions on whether I should fight these last 8-10 pounds off or just start bulking?

My opinion: ~180lbs is already pretty light for 6'2". If you aren't happy with your appearance, then at this point, it is most likely an issue of not having enough muscle rather than having too much fat. Therefore, a good bulk is in order. However, this is totally a matter of personal preference, so you'll have to figure it out for yourself.