Thanks to both of you who responded. My WW leader told me to increase the number of points (calories). This didn't make sense to me so I didn't. Then the owner of the Curves gym I go to told me that in the Curves weight loss plan, they work on this problem by building in to the plan a period of increased caloric intake, i.e. going from 1200 calories per day to 2000 calories per day for a period of two to four weeks. Their theory is that the body interprets the 1200 calorie per day diet as "starvation", and becomes much more efficient at using those calories. Increasing calories temporarily "resets" the metabolism, so when the 1200 calorie per day diet is resumed the weight starts coming off again. Thing is, my clothing size is getting smaller, my fat index is decreasing, and when they do the monthly measurements at Curves I'm losing inches. So something is happening, even though very little weight loss is involved. I've decided to make the sacrifice and increase my calories temporarily.

I'm not so sure about the fruit juices recommendation in a previous posting. They contain a lot of sugar. Better to eat fruit, becuae it takes longer to ingest and contains fiber and fills you up more. A few other recommendations: -Get used to whole grains -- bread, pasta and rice. They have improved them so they are easy to prepare and are very tasty. They are more filling and satisfying that refined products. - If you eat a lot of processed food, start reading the labels. If there are more than 4 or 5 ingredients, don't eat it. - Try ot avoid or cut down on sugar. Get a cheap paperback that lists the sugar content in all foods. You'll be surprised. Sugar is all over the place. - Stay away from butter and whole milk products. Use skim milk, or low fat milk. If you like cheese, eat it in moderation, and try to select hard cheese, because harder ones have less fat. Try to use only fats that are liquid at room temperature, like olive oil, canola oil, corn oil. Your heart and arteries will thank you. - Eat white meat of chicken, and avoid the skin, which is nearly all fat. Lean cuts of beef and pork are okay, as well as nearly all fish. - Eat lots of fresh fruits and vegetables. If you have good, healthful eating habits, and you exercise regularly, the weight will take care of itself.

Excellent point made by lfnyc, although Moo may have been more susceptible due to his recent, unexplained weight loss. I read your previous post but I am not sure I completely understand the exact chronology of the food change in your cat's diet. The Nutro recall is quite recent and may only explain Moo's recent fever/vomiting episode. Not familiar with the Nutro products, so I don't know if the weight control formula is included in this recall. They say (I quote): Select varieties of NUTRO® NATURAL CHOICE® COMPLETE CARE® Dry Cat Foods and NUTRO® MAX® Cat Dry Foods with "Best If Used By Dates" between May 12, 2010 and August 22, 2010. Hope you kept the bag. And in doubt, you should contact the company. There is also plenty to read on the internet about this recall. I know how frustrating it must be not to have a cause for this abnormal weight loss, but at least all the tests came back negative except for this 'enlarged kidney'. So keep an eye on that issue.. Good luck, Anne-Marie

Me too. This is my 40th year (Will turn 40 in Nov 2007) and I really want to get back in shape. DS#2 is almost 3 years old and I still haven't lost weight after the pregnancy. It's been much harder this time compared to my first pregnancy 11 years ago. I am short (5'2") and small built and I really look like a ball right now :-(. I'm not officially overweight according to the doctor's chart but I know I am because I just don't feel good at all. My goal is to lose 15 lbs before Nov. I've had a hard time losing any weight at all for the last 2 years. Here is what I've started since new year: Watch everything I eat. NO JUNK FOOD. Cut carbs and increase protien(very hard since I'm vegeterian). I'm also exercising atleast 4 days a week - weights, toning, aerobics. I got my whole family to help me this time. DS#1 does toning exercise with me. DS#2 likes to dance with the aerobics (very funny!). DH "reminds" me to exercise if I'm too lazy or if I open the bag of chips to snack :) He is also trying some creative recipes to work in more protiens in a veggie diet. So far in 10 days I've lost just over a pound. Will keep you updated. I feel good reading about your success stories. Vasu