This doesn't apply to me, i'm just asking for a friend. He started about 3 weeks ago and says he's only lost around 3 lbs but his clothes are definitely "feel" looser. He certainly looks like he's lost weight, at least to me. I've seen posts saying this can happen if you happen to work out a lot, but he doesn't work out at all. (he's trying to loose about 20 lbs total) Is this possible or is the perception that he feels like he's losing weight just in his head?

Yes, your body can retain water but lose fat, geeting smaller and retaining weight. Also, if your friend is exercising and doing Atkins, he/she may be adding muscle while losing fat. Muscle id more dense that fat and takes up less room. Exercising can also cause the body to retain water over the short run. Nyah Levi

Hi Jackal,

Yes, it certainly is possible. As you probably know, fat takes up more space than muscle.
See this thread for visible proof: http://forum.lowcarber.org/showthre...usand+and+words

Just because he doesn't work out, doesn't mean he hasn't lost some fat and gained a little muscle. Simply eating more protein can do that. In the last year on this forum, I've seen folk who have done just that. Tell your friend to get out his tape measure - he may well be losing inches before the scales move.

Cheers.

Rosebud

You can definately lose inches before the scale moves. I know because it always happens to me since I have been on this WOL. Clothes get looser then a few weeks later the scale will move a few pounds. Then the cycle will repeat itself.

It seems the more of a carb addict you were before this WOL, the greater chance you will have on loosing inches before pounds. I know I was definately protien deficient before Atkins. Same may be for your friend as well.

I started LCing Nov 2 I have only lost 25 pounds since then (19 pounds were in my induction period)...but I have lost 4 pant sizes and 3 shirt sizes...and 20 1/2 Inches (And I didn't start taking measurements until Nov 25!). I started really excerising in January.

I hope everything works out for you and your friend!
Julie

Thanks! I will pass on the info!

I think it's just because i lost 8 pounds in the first 2 weeks and he only lost 3 in 3 weeks.