Why Am I Not Losing Weight? And Other Weight Loss Chats

I wanted to jump on today and have a proper chat about something that comes up all the time — "Why am I not losing weight?"

If you’ve ever found yourself feeling frustrated because you’re doing "all the right things" but the scales aren’t moving, you are absolutely not alone. So let's break it down a bit, and hopefully give you some reassurance and some practical advice too.

First of all, weight loss isn’t always linear

We start our fitness journey, often with weight loss as the main goal (which is fine, by the way!) — but we need to remember it’s not always a straightforward process.There are loads of factors that come into play — sleep, stress, hormones, water retention, the types of food you’re eating, your menstrual cycle... the list goes on.So if you're beating yourself up because you had a "perfect" week and didn’t lose anything, please know: it's completely normal. Progress isn't just shown on the scales.

Nutrition is a biggie

When it comes to food, variety matters.A lot of the time, we can get stuck in this loop of eating the same "safe" foods because we think that’s what we should be doing.But having a variety in your diet — different types of protein, loads of colourful veggies, different carbs and fats — not only helps keep your body healthy, it also keeps you interested in your food and stops you feeling deprived. Plus, it helps you stick to it in the long run, which is what we actually need to make proper changes.

Lifestyle choices make a difference too

It’s not just about your gym sessions. It’s about your lifestyle in general.Things like how much you move around during the day (your step count), your sleep, your stress levels, how much you’re sitting versus moving — they all make a huge difference.Sometimes it's not about doing "more", it’s about making better choices across the board. Being a bit more active during the day. Being a bit kinder to yourself. Getting enough rest.

Workouts: pick stuff you actually enjoy

Honestly, you don’t have to spend hours in the gym doing things you hate.Find workouts that you enjoy, that challenge you but also make you feel good.It could be strength training, dance fitness, running, cycling, walking with your dog — whatever makes you feel alive.Because if you hate what you're doing, you won't keep doing it — and consistency beats perfection every single time.

Accountability is a game-changer

Having people around you who get it — whether that’s a group class, a coach, or a mate who’s on the same journey — can make all the difference.We all have days where motivation is low. Accountability gives you that little nudge when you need it, and a cheerleader when you smash it.

Enjoy the journey

And the big one? You’ve got to enjoy the journey. If you spend your whole time miserable because you’re fixated on a number on the scale, you're missing out on all the brilliant wins along the way.The extra energy, the better sleep, the way your clothes fit differently, the fact that you're lifting heavier weights or running for longer.Those are the things that matter.

If you need some extra support or you're looking for ways to level up your training and nutrition, you can always check out everything I offer at www.annamartinfitness.co.uk. Classes, coaching, the lot — I'm here for you!

Keep going. You're doing better than you think. 💪

This article was summarised from my podcast - visit it here on Spotify (or all other major platforms to hear more episodes.