The rate at which you lose weight depends on a number of things, which naturally means that not everyone loses weight at the same rate. It’s also usual for weight to drop off more quickly at the start of a weight-loss program, due to the loss of retained fluid. As a general guide, a safe level of weight loss after the initial weeks of a weight-loss program is between one and two pounds per week.

If you are following the CalorieKing program, but find that you aren’t losing weight at this safe level, consider these tips:

• Are you reaching the Daily Calorie Target recommended by CalorieKing in your Personal Profile? Exceeding this target will likely lead to weight gain. Remember, your Calorie Target includes food calories minus exercise calories.

• If you appear to be reaching, but not exceeding, your Daily Calorie Target yet still are not losing weight, you may be unintentionally under-reporting in your Food and Exercise Diary the amount of food you are eating. Many people underestimate how much they eat. It can help to weigh and measure your food for a while, to ensure the amount of food you record is the amount of food you are actually eating.

• Falling short of your Daily Calorie Target can also slow down your weight loss, as your body stores fat when it senses a "calorie drought". If you exercise you should "eat back" the calories burned in order to reach your Calorie Target.

• Are you exercising? Remember, even just a little exercise each day is better than none! Every time you move your body, you help to burn calories. So the next time you run out of milk, walk to the store instead of taking the car. Every little bit of exercise helps your weight and your health.  Read the CalorieKing forums and Success Stories to hear stories of everyday people who used to be “allergic” to exercise who, over time, made exercise a part of their successful lifestyle change.

• For women, hormonal changes can make you retain fluid and may make it seem like you have gained weight.

• Are you drinking enough fluid? It might sound odd, but drinking sufficient fluids actually helps lower fluid retention, as caused by excess sodium (salt) intake.