weight gain with decreased intake

Question
Hi,
I'm very frustrated and confused at the moment because although I have a less than 'maintainence' intake of about 1200-1600cals (am sure this is correctly counted) and am exercising 2-3 hrs a week, instead of losing weight I have been gaining! I don't know what to do to lose weight now because i know that if i cut back more my metabolism will definitely slow down (if it hasn't already..). So in conclusion can you please advise me on how to possibly speed up my metabolism and begin losing, rather than gaining weight.
Thanks

Answer
Hi Sophie,

You must be frustrated! Although you don't mention how much weight you've gained and over what period of time? If you have been doing this for a week or two and have gained a pound or two, it could just be water weight. When we start eating healthier we often become better hydrated and the water in our cells (or in our muscle when we start working out) shows up on the scale as "weight". Think about how your clothing fits? If you haven't gotten noticeably larger then keep going and wait it out a few weeks.

If you are absolutely certain you are counting your calories correctly and not taking in one morsel above 1600 calories; if you are sure you burn over 2000 calories each day and 1600 calories will be a level at which you can lose nearly one pound a week; if you are working out hard for 2-3 hours a week and putting weight on like nobody's business.... you should see your physician for a thorough check-up. Low thyroid is not uncommon in women and may cause weight gain due to a low metabolism. This can be easily fixed by taking a pill.

Of course you probably realize that weight loss will happen slowly on your regimen (which sounds very healthy and appropriate). Reducing your daily calorie intake by 500 fewer than you need can bring one pound of weight loss each week. Exercising for 3 hours may  bring another 1/2 pound. It takes a tremendous amount of exercise to promote weight loss. If you are expecting to see 3 or 4 pounds of weight loss because you are eating healthy and exercising you'll have to readjust your expectations. But if you continue to go up a pound each week for several weeks, then get to your doctor to find out what's going on.

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