Two people, same diet, one not losing

[Grant]

Hi all,

My wife and I started Atkins together, nearly 4 weeks ago. We eat virtually identical foods and while I am happy with my progress she has only lost 3 pounds total. She is getting very discouraged and depressed and is nearly ready to switch to something else.

I've racked my brain trying to figure out why I am losing weight and she isn't. I've explained that everyone is different and some will lose faster then others, and that I read on here several times that it's pretty common to stall and then suddenly lose several pounds quickly. That reasoning was fine for a while but now four weeks in and only 3 pounds lighter it's wearing pretty thin for her.

As I said, we eat essentially the same thing and were at almost exactly the same starting weight. I can't figure out why she isn't losing as well. She has been pretty succesful at other diets so I don't think it's something physiological but just in case she is going to get some lab work done this weekend.

I'm trying to think of what else I can do to help her. I've run out of ideas and am afraid she is going to quit the program soon.

Any ideas?

Thank you

[ValidRouge]

Grant, please please tell her to stick with it. AND to move into OWL rung 1.

I didn't lose anything in weeks 3-4. Then I moved into OWL and began steadily losing.

My best friend did the same thing. She lost in her first week and then NOTHING for a few weeks and then all of a sudden it started melting off.

Moving into OWL rung 1 is just adding more vegetables. In the Most memorable posts forum, there is a stickie on PISS-Post Induction Stall Syndrome that does a good explanation of this phenomenon.

[ValidRouge]

Here it is Grant
PISS-Post Induction Stall Syndrome- a reality to be expected

[not2late]

Re-read the Frequently Asked Question in Chapter 15 of DANDR 2002. It explains the difference between men and women as it relates to weight loss.

[sadie147]

Maybe you should post a days menu that the 2 of you eat in our 'review my menu' forum. There could be something that is there we may see that could be causing her an issue (ie too much dairy/cheese) that may not affect you.

[sallyseachange]

I'd second the advice that she move to the first rung of OWL. She can stay on it as long as she likes... no need to rush up the other rungs if she doesn't want to.
Also... it's pretty normal for women to lose at a slower rate than men. It's such an unfair world!!!
Do tell her to hang in there... if she's eating the correct Atkins way, then sooner or later the weight will go!