can you loose weight just dieting

[Rose983]

Hi my name is rosa and i'am currently overweight I 'am 5'1 and weight 185 a month ago I was 196. I decided to loose try to loose weight because I dont know how I got my knee injure and it hurts preety bad I have a doc. appt. this week but I have been in this pain for 2 months already it's not that I don't like to exercise I like too I was also going to the gym before my knee got bad. And I started to cut on food two weeks ago and I bought a scale and basing on the scale I have lost at least 5 pounds but I don't know If I will keep on it. So my question is Would I be able to loose weight with out any exercise at all.
When I go on a long walk my knee gets worse.

[James G Beckerman, M.D.]

Hi Rosa, thanks for your post!

To answer your question, if you do cut calories and maintain a constant amount of activity (which may be little in your case), you will lose weight.  However, your metabolism will start to slow as you lose weight, so don't be surprised if you plateau sooner than you might like.  But hopefully as you lose weight and address your knee concerns with your doctor you may be able to be more active.  Remember that even small amounts of consistent activity will burn calories and keep you moving in the right direction. It seems you are off to a good start! Take care.

[kathy434]

I was taking Depakote for years and gained a lot of weight.  No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't get the pounds off.  After additional problems related to Depakote and other psych meds, my doctor has removed all but one med.  I spent last winter in a warmer climate.  There, I walked daily and climbed several flights of stairs as well as made changes to my food choices.  I made lifestyle changes that I find easy to live with and enjoy.  Since December, I lost over 40 pounds.  My clothing size dropped dramatically & for once I feel healthy and pretty and very happy.  Even my knee problems improved, with one knee replacement having been made, and now with less weight neither knee is in pain anymore.  I don't use fad diets, or do anything extreme.  I eat small portions, eat slowly, and leave the table hungry.  In fifteen minutes or so, my body has registered that I am full and I am comfortable as well as energetic.  I cut out potatoes, only eat one piece of bread a day, eat several servings of fish or seafood a week, and other meats in variety.  I also eat salads and plenty of green vegetables.  also I pass on any desserts.  This has worked for me.
While in Italy recently, food choices were mostly out of my control.  I was served pasta twice a day for the first course over two weeks.  I only ate a couple bites as I simply hated it.  Meat was so thin that it had only one side.  I ate all the vegetables given to me and no breads or rolls.  Mornings, I was forced to choose Rice Krispies, Coco Puffs, or Granola.  I took the later and drank lots of juice, coffee, water, tea; anything to fill me up.  
Throughout the days, I walked, climbed stairs, hiked up and down hills, and explored.  I easily polished off 6 bottles of water to stay hydrated in their 90 degree heat and humidity.  After returning home, I weighed myself.  I had gained 4 pounds (the pasta).  I am continuing my lifestyle changes which I have found to be user friendly.  Occassionaly I let myself eat a "taboo" so I never feel deprived.  I don't know if my lifestyle changes would help anybody else.  This has worked so well for me that I thought it may be worth a try by any of your readers.  You are right.  I must expend more calories through exercise than what I take in.  I eat well balanced meals, just without the breads, dry cereals, desserts, and mostly potatoes!  I may have hit a plateau for the moment, but I plan to lose another 40 pounds by October so I am keeping up my momenum while the temperatures here allow me lots of outdoor activity.  Winters are tough.  I would like any opinions or advice you may suggest to help me on my way.  Thanks. kathy

[Jaquta]

This is encouraging for me as it shows that with perseverance change is possible.  It also makes me want to join you in making more changes myself.  You sound incredibly motivated and enthusiastic and like you have a lot of momentum.

I'm finding the weather is a big challenge for me at the moment.  It's winter here and I'm finding the shorter, darker and colder days difficult to deal with.
Even the outdoor pool at our local swimming complex is warmer than our daily high.

I was wondering if you had SAD -seasonal affective disorder.  Just a thought.

The incidental activity can be really important.  I was thinking about taking the lift today but thought better of it.  Stairs are good.

I find the question of carbohydrates quite confusing.  Eliminate them and you lose weight, but ... a percentage of our daily recommended intake is suppose to come from them.  I guess that can also come in the form of fruit and veg.

Thanks for sharing your story with us.  I hope the doctor is able to offer you the advice and suggestions you're after.
(I'm not sure how this forum works but you may need to post a separate question in order to get a response).

J