Weight Loss then Some Gain

[JtB]

When I first returned to cycling my weight was about 90kg, then after about 2 years it had dropped to about 71kg. During the first couple of years it was really easy to lose weight and I got to the point where people were telling me that I looked a bit gaunt. This last year however, no matter how much cycling I did, my weight slowly crept up to what it is now which is about 75kg. My BMI is still in the healthy range (also people have stopped telling me I look gaunt) so I'm not concerned, but I am rather puzzled. I'm certainly much fitter now and have much more stamina and strength than before, but I was wondering if its normal to lose weight initially on starting an exercise regime and then to put some back on again even though the level of exercise and food/drink intake are maintained.

 

[screenman]

I would imagine you maybe eating slightly calories than you need if you are putting weight back on.

 

[Cosmicned]

I've had a similar issue - losing nearly two stone over the last year - and despite cycling more & my general fitness being way better... I'm not losing much more weight - however I suspect that its also to do with gaining more muscle mass - I assume it's much heavier than the old blubber!

 

[stephec]

More importantly, what do you look like?

Do you have a gut, or are you quite skinny and toned up top with decent legs?

 

[screenman]

Volume for volume muscle weighs only very slightly more than fat, you would need to build a lot of it to notice a weight gain due to muscle growth. Seeing as cyclist we only tend to build muscle in our legs mainly I feel the muscle weighs more a very poor excuse.

Check your net calorie intake properly there you may find the problem, as long as you are in the healthy region for fat content I would not be worried unless you want to climb hills faster.

 

[Glover Fan]

Cross training, whilst cycling is an excellent tool for weight loss my opinion is that the body becomes very efficient at it. Try running etc. Or if you must stay on the bike, increase the intensity.

Oh, and watch what you eat.

 

[Globalti]

You are becoming more muscular.

....or your willpower is slipping and you're eating more rubbish.

 

[JtB]

Thanks all - maybe I am eating a little more, but not that much.

I'm happy with the weight and BMI (23.4), but its the trend I'm wary of.

Maybe I've just not 'stepped up' sufficiently the cycling over the last year, as rides that were once challenging are now a 'piece of cake'.

 

[screenman]

Just a thought on this subject, I never lose weight when I just guess how much I eat.

 

[fossyant]

I find my weight can vary quite easily by a few kg's. So long as it's relatively constant you are OK. If rides are easy, you go faster = simple.

It never gets easier, you get faster.