Why you might not lose weight as fast as the next person

Here's the scenario: Someone close to you (sister, friend, etc.) who is at about the same level fitness and weight-wise becomes your weight-loss buddy and you embark on the plan of your choice together. But a few weeks pass, and you realize that while the needle on your scale remains firmly in place, she or he seems to be shedding enough pounds for both of you! What's the deal?

First take a look at your plan. Are you following it to a 'T'? Or are you having a few more cheat days than allotted? If that's not the problem, relax. Everyone is different, and some people just lose weight faster than others. Don't let it get you down, and don't focus on the pounds -- focus on how you feel (more energetic?), how your clothes are fitting, how many inches you've lost, and whether or not you feel hungry all the time. One thing to keep in mind is that if you're working out lots, you might not be losing pounds, but you might be making great changes to your body by converting your fat to muscle.

Have you had this problem?