Reply #23: Here's a positive look to it.

[JackDragna]

First, the calorie counters on exercise machines notoriously undercount/overcount calorie usage. So, you could be burning more than you think. Secondly, your goal should be overall fitness : get your heart strong, lift weights, stretch and eat well. If you do these things, the pounds will come off. You may never be svelte, but if you're in good health, that's all that matters.

In addition, it only takes reducing your energy input by 500 calories a day to lose about a pound of fat a week. So, if you lose 200 calories through cardio alone, all it takes is shaving off another 300 calories. This can be done by skipping little snacks, or just cutting down your portions some. It takes discipline, but you'd be surprised how just showing a little willpower will cause your body to get rid of the excess weights, once you start telling your body it needs less food.