From >450 to <160 lb by 2022

I'll be getting another DXA scan tomorrow to check against my at home body fat estimates (and to compare against the January & October scans). I do expect to see some loss in lean mass this time (a category that includes blood volume, water weight, etc), but I'm really hoping to see zero loss in skeletal muscle mass (which was 84.8 lb in October and 84.7 lb in January).
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I'm pleased to report that while I did lose almost 2 lb of lean mass I actually gained 2 lb of skeletal muscle mass (mostly in my arms). My overall body fat % came in at 21.0% which is a little under my at home estimates (like it was last time as well). 21% body fat puts me in the top 34% of men my age which is surprising considering I was in the bottom 1% just 6 months ago... Of course being in the top 34% is a dubious honor in a country where 90% of men are overfat.

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The trends are pretty much all going in the right directions:
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I need to lose 5 lbs of fat to be in a healthy body fat percentage, but lose 16 lbs of fat to reach a healthy fat mass index. Fat mass index is the more accurate measure, imo. Still, visceral adipose tissue - the unseen fat around your organs - is what really matters from a health perspective rather than subcutaneous fat (the unsightly fat under your skin).


By focusing on retaining lean & muscle mass my metabolism remained pretty much unchanged, defying the usual slowing with extreme weight loss:

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I'm also getting another -cycling- VO2max test and hoping to see at least 4.25 L/min (vs 3.93 in January and 3.33 in October). A 4.25 absolute VO2 works out to about 43 ml/kg/m which is in line with Fitbit's current -running- estimate of 42-46 and Garmin's 45. Cycling and running VO2s are usually pretty close, but it isn't unusual for running to be a little higher since it uses more muscle groups (which is why cross country skiers and rowers have the highest VO2s). But I'm also looking to verify my heart rate training zones since I've noticed my max heart rate has gone done (normal when your heart increases stroke volume after weeks/months of endurance exercise)
Unfortunately the breathing apparatus was broken so I'll have to come back later to get my VO2 max test. I kind of feel like I wasted a week tapering my training for it so I won't do so again (which probably means I'll be 3-5% under my potential).
 
Fascinating. You must be breathing so much easier at night just from how much fat you lost around your neck! Almost no yellow left between your organs either. I wonder if guts expand and shrink over time like the stomach often seems to or if you can have "loose intestines" the same way you can have loose skin. Your changes are truly impressive.
 
It is strange, but don't feel like I'm sleeping any better which is a bit of a disappointment. Objectively, fitbit has also been giving me sleep scores between 70-80 for over a year... What I do notice now is that I'm often sleeping on my back which I could never do when I was massive (I'd wake up from sleep apnea). Instead I would have to sleep on my side which often left me with sore shoulders and hips in the mornings.

The biggest surprise from the dexa scan was that my legs have the highest body fat percentage of my body. Visually my midsection appears the least lean while my calves and lower quads have lots of muscle definition and even some vascularity showing. But the data shows my trunk is about average while my legs are the least lean (almost certainly due to the fat in my upper thighs). I suspect the lose skin in my midsection just makes my trunk look less lean than it really is.

The high gynoid body fat % also me wonder if that is from my low testosterone (or whether my low testosterone is from my high body fat - or completely unrelated). I wish I had a lifetime of testosterone tests to look back to, but last year was the first time it was tested. And yet when I was 9 and first hitting puberty I suddenly started putting on weight including gynecomastia (man boobs - or "bitch tits" as the other boys would tease). You'd think my doctor would have checked hormone levels, but he just blamed it on the weight...
 
I wish I had a lifetime of testosterone tests to look back to, but last year was the first time it was tested.
If you got on HRT you could both check if the low T had anything to do with it AND travel back in time to get some more bloodwork done :p

Also: I hope doctors these days are more sensitive to the needs of heavier kids.
 
It was a perfect day for a run so I decided to skip the training plans and try to hit that 60min 10K I've been working towards. In the process, I also set a new 5K PR:

5K time:
Jan 23: 32.29
Jan 28: 31:20
Feb 16: 35:08
Mar 15: 29:06
Apr 04: 28:48

10K time:
Jan 31: 72:13
Feb 14: 68:40
Feb 24: 66:23
Apr 04: 58:17
 
Week 14:

-- JAN 06 Dexa scan: 28.6% body fat --
Week___Weight_highBIA_lowBIA_NavyBF_Lean_Fat_Calories
JAN 01-07: 244.5__31.9%__N/A____30.9%__167.8_76.8__1811
JAN 08-14: 239.9__32.6%__27.4%__28.8%__169.3_70.6__2190
JAN 15-21: 236.3__31.9%__27.3%__27.4%__169.0_67.3__1834
JAN 22-28: 234.4__30.6%__26.0%__26.4%__170.3_64.1__1884
JAN 29-F4: 231.4__30.3%__25.9%__25.5%__169.5_61.9__2103
FEB 05-11: 229.1__29.1%__24.7%__25.3%__169.3_59.8__2268
FEB 12-18: 226.8__27.9%__24.0%__25.4%__168.6_58.2__2488
FEB 19-25: 225.3__27.4%__23.4%__24.9%__168.7_56.6__2704
FEB 26-m4: 221.1__27.6%__22.9%__24.0%__166.7_54.5__2376
MAR 05-11: 220.0__26.9%__23.9%__23.0%__166.9_53.1__2722
MAR 12-18: 216.9__26.3%__23.1%__22.6%__165.6_51.3__3086
MAR 19-25: 220.2__25.6%__21.9%__22.9%__168.8_51.4__3880
MAR 26-A1: 217.5__25.6%__21.6%__22.1%__167.9_49.6__3080
-- APR 02 Dexa scan: 21.0% body fat --
Week___Weight_highBIA_lowBIA_NavyBF_Lean_Fat_Calories
APR 02-08: 215.6__25.7%__21.7%___21.0%__167.4_48.2__3000ish

I'm also getting another -cycling- VO2max test and hoping to see at least 4.25 L/min (vs 3.93 in January and 3.33 in October). A 4.25 absolute VO2 works out to about 43 ml/kg/m which is in line with Fitbit's current -running- estimate of 42-46 and Garmin's 45. Cycling and running VO2s are usually pretty close, but it isn't unusual for running to be a little higher since it uses more muscle groups (which is why cross country skiers and rowers have the highest VO2s). But I'm also looking to verify my heart rate training zones since I've noticed my max heart rate has gone done (normal when your heart increases stroke volume after weeks/months of endurance exercise)

PXL_20210409_011715956.jpg

The VO2 testing machine was back up so I went in again to get mine measured. No surprises - 4.32 L/min was in line with my expectations of 4.25-4.5. A couple of my heart rate training zones shifted downward 1bpm, but they have remained relatively stable so future VO2 max testing is unlikely to be of much benefit - especially since Garmin is doing a pretty good job estimating my running VO2. In fact I'd probably be much better off investing that $100 towards a power meter for the bike which Garmin could use to estimate cycling VO2. I could also use it for power-based training zones or to optimize aero positions if so inclined. It is pretty amazing how much technology has trickled down - 25 years ago only the top tier pros had access to this sort of data on a regular basis...

Speaking of power, mine has come up nicely. My power at aerobic threshold is where my anaerobic used to be 3 months ago (and my anaerobic/lactate threshold power is now about where my peak power used to be). Still, a FTP of 270 is a bit lower than I'd like to see and I expect my FTP/Lactate Threshold to be well over 300W by the time I do the iron-distance triathlon in October. Combined with some additional weight loss, I'll be shooting for a bit over 6 hours on the 116 mile bike leg.
 
I did my first "brick" workout today, riding an easy 25 miles and then immediately running 2. It lived up to the name: my legs felt super heavy and uncoordinated for the first mile of the run. It didn't help that I grabbed the dogs when I transitioned off the bike (in their excitement they like to run extra fast for the first mile...)
 
Week 15 (average daily caloric deficit of 672):

-- JAN 06 Dexa scan: 28.6% body fat --
Week___Weight_highBIA_lowBIA_NavyBF_Lean_Fat_Calories
JAN 01-07: 244.5__31.9%__N/A____30.9%__167.8_76.8__1811
JAN 08-14: 239.9__32.6%__27.4%__28.8%__169.3_70.6__2190
JAN 15-21: 236.3__31.9%__27.3%__27.4%__169.0_67.3__1834
JAN 22-28: 234.4__30.6%__26.0%__26.4%__170.3_64.1__1884
JAN 29-F4: 231.4__30.3%__25.9%__25.5%__169.5_61.9__2103
FEB 05-11: 229.1__29.1%__24.7%__25.3%__169.3_59.8__2268
FEB 12-18: 226.8__27.9%__24.0%__25.4%__168.6_58.2__2488
FEB 19-25: 225.3__27.4%__23.4%__24.9%__168.7_56.6__2704
FEB 26-m4: 221.1__27.6%__22.9%__24.0%__166.7_54.5__2376
MAR 05-11: 220.0__26.9%__23.9%__23.0%__166.9_53.1__2722
MAR 12-18: 216.9__26.3%__23.1%__22.6%__165.6_51.3__3086
MAR 19-25: 220.2__25.6%__21.9%__22.9%__168.8_51.4__3880
MAR 26-A1: 217.5__25.6%__21.6%__22.1%__167.9_49.6__3080
-- APR 02 Dexa scan: 21.0% body fat --
Week___Weight_highBIA_lowBIA_NavyBF_Lean_Fat_Calories
APR 02-08: 215.6__25.7%__21.7%__21.0%__167.4_48.2__3086
APR 09-15: 214.7__25.4%__21.4%__20.5%__167.5_47.2__3250ish
 
Your progress is incredible. You have lost well over half the original Err (450 to 214.7) & are powering along the way to 160. Amazing!
 
Week 16, average daily caloric deficit of ~670:

-- JAN 06 Dexa scan: 28.6% body fat --
Week___Weight_highBIA_lowBIA_NavyBF_Lean_Fat_Calories
JAN 01-07: 244.5__31.9%__N/A____30.9%__167.8_76.8__1811
JAN 08-14: 239.9__32.6%__27.4%__28.8%__169.3_70.6__2190
JAN 15-21: 236.3__31.9%__27.3%__27.4%__169.0_67.3__1834
JAN 22-28: 234.4__30.6%__26.0%__26.4%__170.3_64.1__1884
JAN 29-F4: 231.4__30.3%__25.9%__25.5%__169.5_61.9__2103
FEB 05-11: 229.1__29.1%__24.7%__25.3%__169.3_59.8__2268
FEB 12-18: 226.8__27.9%__24.0%__25.4%__168.6_58.2__2488
FEB 19-25: 225.3__27.4%__23.4%__24.9%__168.7_56.6__2704
FEB 26-m4: 221.1__27.6%__22.9%__24.0%__166.7_54.5__2376
MAR 05-11: 220.0__26.9%__23.9%__23.0%__166.9_53.1__2722
MAR 12-18: 216.9__26.3%__23.1%__22.6%__165.6_51.3__3086
MAR 19-25: 220.2__25.6%__21.9%__22.9%__168.8_51.4__3880 (maintenance week)
MAR 26-A1: 217.5__25.6%__21.6%__22.1%__167.9_49.6__3080
-- APR 02 Dexa scan: 21.0% body fat --
Week___Weight_highBIA_lowBIA_NavyBF_Lean_Fat_Calories
APR 02-08: 215.6__25.7%__21.7%__21.0%__167.4_48.2__3086
APR 09-15: 214.7__25.4%__21.4%__20.5%__167.5_47.2__3363
APR 16-22: 212.6__24.8%__21.3%__19.5%__167.3_45.2__3400ish
 
Congrats on that 212.6!
Err, would you mind sharing what a "typical" day's eating looks like for you these days. I know you are very active now, but I am curious to know what you eat & when. Just one day would do. I'm curious to know how it looks.
 
Sure - just with the caveat that no one else should eat the way I do (ideally I shouldn't even eat the way I do). Today was a travel day so it was a *little* worse than typical, but is in the realm of my normalcy.

~00:01 I had two protein bars (pure protein chocolate deluxe). That's 360 calories and more of a "candy bar fix" than maximizing protein timing. With them I also drank about 18oz / 500ml of water. I then went to bed.

~03:45 I woke up to use the restroom & had another two protein bars (pure protein chocolate peanut butter - 400 calories) and probably 9 oz /250ml of water. Again totally unnecessary from a protein perspective and overall probably more detrimental than beneficial...

~06:00 I typically get a few more hours of sleep, but to fit in my exercise today I woke up early and fixed breakfast: 40g (~1/2 cup) of old fashioned oats (150 calories) mixed with 20g of dried cranberries (65 calories). I also had a clementine on the side (35 calories).

~06:25 I went for a 3 minute warm-up walk (-19 calories) followed by an easy 32 minute run (-382 calories). I then went for a vigorous 55 minute "zone 5 interval" bike ride (-723 calories) during which time I ate a small banana (+95 calories) and drank about 1 L of water (I sweat a lot). Normally I split my bike and run on opposite ends of the day to help recover faster, but I had to go out of town all day and knew I wouldn't feel like it at night... To cool down after my ride I took the dogs for a 7 minute walk (-49 calories)

~0800 I downed a protein shake (160 calories) and hopped in the shower.

0900 I was on the road. I packed 3oz of almonds (488 calories) mixed with 40g of dried cranberries (130 calories) and my ~18oz/500ml bottle of water to have throughout the morning.

~1300 I had lunch at Chipotle - a burrito bowl (steak: 150cal, black beans: 130 cal, brown rice: 210 cal, salsa: 25 cal, lettuce: 5 cal) along with 24oz of unsweet tea (0 cal)

~1700 I drove through Panda Express and got a plate of Super Greens (90 cal) with 2 sides of broccoli beef (150cal x 2). I had another ~20 oz of unsweet tea (10 cal)

~2100 I got home and took the dogs for a brisk 20 minute walk (-131 calories). I then ate a ~220g apple (114 cal) and 125g worth of red grapes (89 cal). I'll have another protein bar after midnight, but I'll log that in tomorrow's diary for consistency.



All told that is 3,166 calories consumed. Based on past weight loss I know I burn about 2660 calories without any exercise and today I estimate I burned an additional 1304 for a net deficit of about 800 calories. I currently have about 45 lb of body fat, so I should be able to handle a maximum daily deficit somewhere between 900-1450 before I start losing more lean mass than my body can rebuild (~20-32 calorie deficit per pound of fat according to the research of the late Dr. Seymour Alpert).

Again, no one else should eat like this. Even if you can handle the calories, today's fast food meals had a ton of sodium & you're really not supposed to have more than 2 protein supplements a day - I had 5... On days with less of a time crunch, I get most of my protein from lean meats (plus cooking myself allows me to eat a lot more vegetables).
 
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Excellent example that people needn't be obsessive about finding the perfect meal plan for weightloss and of how much difference exercise can make.
 
Thank you so much for answering my question, with such detail. I wish I had your metabolism! I really do find all of our differences (& similarities) fascinating.
 
Thanks for this Err, you have a very unique approach to eating and exercise. One that is working quite well for you!
you're really not supposed to have more than 2 protein supplements a day
Why is that? I have more some days. Never heard that before, not that you are not right, just something new to me.
 
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