Announcement

Collapse
No announcement yet.

The defense system of the fat cell

Collapse
This topic is closed.
X
X
 
  • Filter
  • Time
  • Show
Clear All
new posts

  • The defense system of the fat cell

    I get discouraged if my scale does not move in a week. I admit it! I have read all the journal posts and I know from the great people on this site that stalling is normal. Is a time for reflection on our exercise and menu and if all is fine.....just be patient.

    I needed to know more! That just doesnt work for me. I am one of those people that will go for 2 weeks without losing a pound and then shed 6 in one day. How does this happen?!

    I did some research and I found out that our fat cells have a defense mechanism. As we burn fat the number of fat cells in our body never decreases. They just shrink in size. When we burn fat for energy the cells shrink down much like a balloon deflates. Some of us had some horrible habits that led to our obesity. Binging and not eating frequent small meals taught our brain to Store that fat for later just in case we needed it. The cells have been programmed to stay inflated at all times.

    As our fat is depleted from the cell it takes in water to maintain its shape. This way when we take in enough calories the fat cell can release the water and readily take in more fat.

    Many of us think that water is released within a few days or maybe a week. For a precentage of the fat cells in our body that may be true. However it can take the brain up to 6 weeks of healthy intake of foods to allow those cells to release the water and shrink down. That is why some of us can lose up to 10 pounds in a few days after not losing a pound for 3-6weeks!

    The next time you are headed to the gym discouraged remember it is making a difference. You may have already lost 3-5 pounds of nasty fat and your body will cleanse itself of the excess water in time
    ----------------

    You make the choice to be who you were yesterday, with each new dawn we are given the opportunity to recreate ourselves.
    Started 28 July 2008
    F/39/5'7"
    SW 244/ CW 234/ GW155
    Starting BMI-38.2

    Restarted March 23 2009







  • #2
    Re: The defense system of the fat cell

    Great explanation of the 'woosh' process
    Wondering how to get 'most' of your net carbs from your induction veggies?
    Take a look at the thread from the latest Veggie Challenge to see how others manage it!



    Check out our Low Carb Recipes website and add to it!!





    F/60 yrs/5ft 5.5" (Though due to collapsing vertebrae I am now only 5'3" - but I refuse to recalculate my BMI )

    Comment


    • #3
      Re: The defense system of the fat cell

      Wow that makes so much sense!! I've been on extended induction, over 3 weeks now but the scale has stuck at a 12 pound loss the last 2 weeks. I go for 2 mile walks, have started doing weights and yoga and I know that I'm healthier for it - but couldn't understand WHY the scale doesn't move even though I know many report getting smaller sized while the scale stays the same. Thanks for the insight!
      36/F 5'2
      Started Induction Aug 6/08



      An apple a day keeps anyone away if you throw it hard enough!

      Comment


      • #4
        Re: The defense system of the fat cell

        You know - this is such great information, especially for those obsessed with the scale and who get depressed and go off this WOE if they don't see the pounds coming off fast enough, that I think it could warrant a sticky.
        36/F 5'2
        Started Induction Aug 6/08



        An apple a day keeps anyone away if you throw it hard enough!

        Comment


        • #5
          Re: The defense system of the fat cell

          Originally posted by Razzle39 View Post
          ... (snip)
          I did some research and I found out that our fat cells have a defense mechanism. As we burn fat the number of fat cells in our body never decreases. They just shrink in size. When we burn fat for energy the cells shrink down much like a balloon deflates. Some of us had some horrible habits that led to our obesity. Binging and not eating frequent small meals taught our brain to Store that fat for later just in case we needed it. The cells have been programmed to stay inflated at all times.

          As our fat is depleted from the cell it takes in water to maintain its shape. This way when we take in enough calories the fat cell can release the water and readily take in more fat.

          Many of us think that water is released within a few days or maybe a week. For a precentage of the fat cells in our body that may be true. However it can take the brain up to 6 weeks of healthy intake of foods to allow those cells to release the water and shrink down. ... (end snip)

          You know, the brain IS made of fat, right...?
          ...And the cells themselves are what's been programmed to stay inflated...
          How long before by BRAIN has a whooshie???!?



          Great post - just couldn't resist LOLOL
          ~Susan
          49/f 5'7" Start 2-27-06 SW222/11-18-09 @ 160-ish/G135-150ish??

          Doin Miles, Flights, & Kid Ketchin'...
          2 Ab Chal's; 6WEC#27 slug-Free; & more; 50# LOST in'06-
          but regained ~20# in '07 in less than 3 weeks! And again early '08 ...Was in HEAVEN -got to 150, for awhile, then got too busy, and gave in too much... and... OK holding pattern "keep it together..."

          .................OMG how did I fail AGAIN
          (((on temporary break)))
          Sigh ... I'll be back... life isn't always fair 10-07-09

          "Goal: First you have to dream of it. Then you have to do it." Author unknown

          sheesh

          Comment


          • #6
            Re: The defense system of the fat cell

            Bravo! Excellent post! Thank You...this is a great answer to my "Why am I heavier?" post. I guess before, I didn't have as many fat cells and then I let myself gain so many pounds that now I have more fat cells filled with water, thus heavier than I was before at this size. Makes sense!
            ~~ Jane ~~
            Female
            Height: 5,1"
            Start Date: June 18, 2008
            SW: 163.5
            CW: 137

            GW: 120
            (or whatever feels right)



            Mini-Goal #1: 149 ( met 07/16/08 )
            Mini-Goal #2: 139
            Mini-Goal #3: 129
            Mini-Goal #4: 124





            Comment


            • #7
              Re: The defense system of the fat cell

              "woosh process" ... lol! Thanks for this very helpful info, Razzle.

              Comment


              • #8
                Re: The defense system of the fat cell

                And, "size for size" wise, water weighs MORE than fat....
                36/F 5'2
                Started Induction Aug 6/08



                An apple a day keeps anyone away if you throw it hard enough!

                Comment


                • #9
                  Re: The defense system of the fat cell

                  I love my whooshie moments

                  Good post!
                  ~Lisa~
                  F, 37, 5' 7", Medium Frame
                  I've been to the edge of 240something and I ain't going back!
                  CW: 188
                  GW: 165
                  1st Goal: 180
                  2nd Goal: 175
                  3rd Goal: 170
                  Final Goal: 165
                  "You get what you put into it..."

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Re: The defense system of the fat cell

                    Awesome info, thank you! My body has always lost like that, but I never knew why! Gee, 47 years young and still learning something every day





                    290 lbs. on 11/02/07 Goal: 145 lbs. or size 14 whichever comes first!

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Re: The defense system of the fat cell

                      Thanks for posting all your great comments. I am glad to know I was not the only one who didnt know that! LOL.
                      ----------------

                      You make the choice to be who you were yesterday, with each new dawn we are given the opportunity to recreate ourselves.
                      Started 28 July 2008
                      F/39/5'7"
                      SW 244/ CW 234/ GW155
                      Starting BMI-38.2

                      Restarted March 23 2009






                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Re: The defense system of the fat cell

                        WOW! Thanks for sharing!!!
                        Elsie150
                        Female 44, 5'
                        SW241/CW215/GW150
                        Never Ending Induction Recipes
                        http://www.atkinsdietbulletinboard.c...n-recipes.html

                        You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated. In fact, it may be necessary to encounter the defeats, so you can know who you are, what you can rise from, how you can still come out of it. ~Maya Angelo~

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Re: The defense system of the fat cell

                          Thanks once again Razzle39! You just have a way of putting me at ease. I will be rereading this post when I am feeling down about my numbers. Recently, my scale hasn't moved an inch, actually some days it moved up. However, I have been in kitosis the entire time. This may explain how somebody can be in kitosis yet not loose weight or inches.
                          You have been truly helpful!
                          Thanks so much,
                          Started January 1, 2010
                          Female 37 5.4
                          SW 177cw 177 GW 125

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Re: The defense system of the fat cell

                            Isnt that digital dissapointment the worst! I am going to do the Weigh? No way challenge just to try to get away from it. I had tried to put it on the top shelf of the closet but that didnt work. I think I am going to have to put it in the trunk of my husband car LOL
                            ----------------

                            You make the choice to be who you were yesterday, with each new dawn we are given the opportunity to recreate ourselves.
                            Started 28 July 2008
                            F/39/5'7"
                            SW 244/ CW 234/ GW155
                            Starting BMI-38.2

                            Restarted March 23 2009






                            Comment


                            • #15
                              Re: The defense system of the fat cell

                              The scale can be so motivating yet at the same time it can be my worst enemy. Right now I am very slowly loosing (at times slowly gaining) and looking at those numbers can be disheartening.
                              I need to limit my weighing, its probably best that I do so. I think hiding it in your husband's car is a good plan.
                              Started January 1, 2010
                              Female 37 5.4
                              SW 177cw 177 GW 125

                              Comment

                              Working...
                              X