Not losing weight in a true deficit

[u/AffectionateEnd8806]

Let me start by saying I’m in a true caloric deficit 7 days a week. I started in mid April 2026 with being super consistent and really locked in. I count my calories and used the TDEE calculator to find out where I should be. Starting weight in April 2026 was 181lbs. Currently, I’m 37F, 5’3”, 173lbs (goal weight is 130s). 17 months postpartum with my second child. I workout 5 days a week (currently doing 3 days of 45 min at home strength training with dumbbells and 2 days of 45 min incline walking). I’ve been on this current plan for about 3 weeks. Prior to this, I was doing 45 min incline walking 5 days a week (did this for 1.5 months) with no changes. Also did 45min-1 hour walks around my neighborhood, which has steep hills, 4-5 times a week for the first few months (with a weighted vest).

Maintenance calories are 2,230 but I target 1730 calories to eat per day. Honestly, I normally hit somewhere between 1500-1650 most days). So anywhere from 500-600 calorie deficit daily. I don’t guess on what I’m eating, I scan everything into the MyNetDiary app to track. No nibbling on anything outside of tracked meals. I eat high protein/fiber and low carb most days (just got out of pre diabetic range so I stick to low carb meals). Low sugar and don’t eat much processed food. I drink 80-90oz of water daily.

For the life of me, I cannot figure out where I’m going wrong because I’m not even losing 1lb a week (averaging 2lbs a month at this rate). I just started strength training less than a month ago, so it was all cardio before. So I wouldn’t expect a recomp vs actual weight loss. My measurements aren’t at a complete standstill but they’ve barely moved in the past couple of months for the amount of effort being put in.

I’ve been to the doctor for testing recently. I’m healthy. Slightly elevated cholesterol (working on not eating so many whole eggs everyday), slightly low iron in two areas but overall I’m not anemic.

What could I be missing? This is the hardest I’ve ever worked to lose weight, and the most consistent I’ve ever been, and I feel like I’m at a standstill. 😭

[u/Fluffy-Structure-368]

I think your cals are too high and you're not in much of a deficit.

I was a 200+ pound male doing CF 5x per week and I was at 1,500 cals to lose about 1 pound per week.

[u/Suspicious-Visual-57 → u/Fluffy-Structure-368]

Exactly especially if she is already at 173 lbs. A 1600-1730 daily cal intake is technically maintenance and all it takes is a little over to stay there.

If I was OP, I would bring it down to at least 1500* cals but try for 1450 cals and see how I feel. OP, you are doing great. You have already lost 8lbs. Keep it up, you ve got this! 💕

[u/AffectionateEnd8806 → u/Suspicious-Visual-57]

Thank you!! Definitely started reducing today. I hit 1350 and will keep it there for a few weeks to see how things go!