how much weight can you lose in a month - #25417
I am a bit confused about how much weight can you lose in a month, and I really need some clarity. Last month I started a new fitness routine that involves running and weight lifting, plus I’ve been trying to eat healthier — not easy!! I’ve read everywhere that the average is like 1-2 pounds a week, but honestly, I feel like my progress is kinda slow... or maybe I’m just being impatient? I weighed myself yesterday and it seemed like I only lost about 4 pounds since I started. I mean, I’m happy about it, but how much weight can you lose in a month realistically? I want to know if my expectations are off or if there’s something I’m doing wrong. I also read some folks claiming they lost 10 or even 15 pounds in a month, which sounds, like, crazy to me!!! I have a friend who did keto and dropped 12 pounds in 3 weeks, but I really don’t want to go that route since I don’t think it’s sustainable. How much weight can you lose in a month in a healthy way? Are people who lose a ton in a month just losing water weight or what?? Just looking for some insights because I feel like I might need to adjust my plan or maybe just be more patient? Would love any tips or real-life experiences!!!
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Doctors' responses
Losing weight is often a journey that requires patience, as sustainable and healthy weight loss is typically around 1-2 pounds per week. In a month, that’d be about 4-8 pounds, aligning closely with what you’ve experienced so far—meaning you are likely on the right track. Weight loss greater than this usually involves losing water weight or muscle mass rather than fat, which is not ideal for maintaining good health or long-term goals. Some people who lose larger amounts rapidly might indeed be shedding water weight, especially if they’ve made drastic dietary changes or started intense exercise regimens. Diets like keto can initially lead to significant weight loss due to water shed, as glycogen stores in the liver and muscles get depleted, which ties up with water. However, rapid weight loss often isn’t sustainable and can lead to nutritional deficiencies or muscle loss. Since you are incorporating both exercise and dietary improvements, you’re building a foundation for lasting change. If progress feels slow, it’s crucial to ensure you’re eating enough to fuel your workouts and not creating too large of a caloric deficit, as that can slow metabolism and even lead to muscle loss. Tracking not just your weight but other metrics like measurements, energy levels, and fitness performance can give a fuller picture of progress beyond the scale. Monitoring your calorie intake and ensuring a balanced diet with enough proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates is essential. Also, adequate hydration, sleep, and stress management play roles in weight management. If you still feel stuck, consulting a nutritionist or dietitian can provide targeted guidance. It’s more about consistency and small, maintainable changes rather than quick fixes.
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