Struggle with weight loss for a year. So frustrated. Can't understand why.

When we do new things, our bodies change and adapt. Your calf muscles might be growing to be able to do the exercise you're asking of them, hence why they look bigger. This is a good thing. Muscle burns energy, so the more muscle we have, the more calories we burn even when we're just sitting.

You've mentioned you've seen changes to your face - you probably are losing fat, and your body is simply recomposing. Google images of 1kg of fat vs 1kg muscle. Muscle is a lot more dense, so weighs more, but doesn't have the bulk of fatty tissue. Have you noticed that your clothes are fitting differently?

My advice:

If you aren't measuring your calories, it might be a good place to start to make sure you're in a healthy deficit. Too few calories can be as detrimental as too many when trying to lose weight.

Keep exercising, however if you're injuring yourself running, it might be better to take up a different exercise like swimming that is less strenuous on your feet.

Body weight exercises are a good way to build lean muscle that will help you burn more fat. There's heaps of programs on YouTube.

/r/WeightLossAdvice Thread