Why am I gaining weight rather than losing it?

[subiegirl]

I've been working out for 2 months, I play volleyball every week and I go to the gym 6 days a week for 90 minutes. I've actually gained 10 pounds since then. I'm 21, 5'4, and I weighed 120, but now I weight 130. I've actually been eating healthy like drinking water, eating fruits, eating brown rice instead of white, smaller portions of food, and I haven't eaten any fast food for 4 years already. I'm really frustrated because I feel pudgy! I feel like before I started working out I had a better body and was in better shape. Now I'm fully insecure with myself and don't know what to do. How can I go back to 120 and be in better shape?

[Barb135]

You need to make sure you get a copy of the lab report.  Once you have it, you can either send me a PM, with the results and reference ranges or visit the thyroid forum; we will help you go from there.

[subiegirl]

What should I do if they tell me it's just fine? what else should i make them do to make sure i'm okay?

[Barb135]

When you get your blood test results, don't just settle for them telling you that your thyroid levels are "fine".  Even though they may be in the so-called "normal" range, that may not be right for you.  

[subiegirl]

I just went to the doctor and did a blood test. I get my results in 2 weeks! I'm crossing my fingers

[Barb135]

You are  absolutely right - a pound is a pound, whether it's fat or muscle.  I wasn't saying that subiegirl gained weight because she gained muscle; I was suggesting that maybe what she's calling "pudge" on her belly is actually muscle that has bulked up.  

Medical issues should always be considered when a sudden weight gain or loss is incurred.  

[priority1]

Well first off don't let anyone tell you it's because you have gained muscle.  A pound of muscle weighs the same as a pound of fat, just the muscle is more condensed so it takes up less room.  Have your Thyroid checked.  

[subiegirl]

My exercise consist of walking on the treadmill for 15minutes, 30min on the elliptical, ab workouts for 25 minutes, 5 minutes on the hip abductor, and then weight lifting for 15 mins. Do you think it's possible that I could be working out too much that my tummy is pudgy? I'll work out at least 6 days a week and sometimes I'm at the gym for 2 hrs. Could I be over doing it?

[Barb135]

First off, welcome to our group; and secondly, congratulations on not eating fast food.  That's a hard one for most of us. I find it particularly difficult to stay away from because of my job - often I have to hit the drive through and eat on the go.  

Have you been tested for any medical issues that could cause weight gain/inability to lose?  These might include hypothyroidism, insulin resistance and PCOS to name a few. It's always a good idea to rule out medical issues first.

The next thing I would suggest is to replace some/most of that fruit with veggies.  Fruit has a lot of sugar, even though it's "natural", which can easily turn to fat; whereas veggies have a lot fiber (bulk) that fill you up for very few calories.  Brown rice is good for you, but you still have to watch the portion sizes.  Additionally, you need sources of lean protein, which is extremely important to a healthy body, plus it helps keep you feeling fuller longer.  Good sources of protein are lean meats, low/no fat dairy (which also contains necessary calcium, vitamin B12, etc), you can also add nuts, beans, etc.

In addition, with all the exercise you get, I'm sure you are quite muscular.  Are you sure that "pudge" is fat, not muscle?  What type of exercise are you doing at the gym?  You need a good mix of cardio and strength. You might also try yoga, as that concentrates on stretching, breathing and relaxation, which is also very important to weight loss.

All of that said, for being 5'4", even at 130 lbs, you aren't over weight;  but I would be concerned about the sudden gain for medical reasons.