Pace of weight loss

RudeboyCantFail

Hi gang. I’ve been enjoying reading all your posts with tips, success and advice, so thanks to all who share. I have a question about the pace of weight loss.

I joined MFP right at the end of December. The basics if needed: 53 y.o., 5’10” and started at 210, set initial goal of losing 30 pounds. I set my goal pace at one pound per week. That set my daily calorie goal at 1750. I’m fairly good at exercising although have been more dedicated since I started logging everything. Almost every day I walk or run 30-60 minutes (missed maybe two days in last month). I typically eat close to my daily 1750 calories, and sometimes over with the calories I’ve “earned” by running, but have been almost always below the net number (again, maybe two days slightly over). I hit 10 pound loss a few days ago and MFP prompted me with a message – I don’t recall the exact wording but something to the effect that I was losing weight too quickly and did I want to reset my goal. I said no, but assume if I said yes it would have increased my daily calorie goal.

I know losing weight too quickly can be a problem if you have taken unusual drastic measures to do it, but I’m thinking I should not be overly concerned because (1) I think I can explain my pace so far (reduced snacking, more conscious of what I’m eating, consistent exercise, etc.) and (2) I’m thinking the pace may slow naturally in coming weeks as my body adjusts (based on…zero scientific evidence, but maybe?). Bottom line: I know I’m not doing anything crazy to explain the pace of loss so far and am feeling great. I believe I’ve just developed some very good, consistent habits, so is there any need to worry about the pace of losing weight or can I just keep my daily goal at 1750 for now and see what happens? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

Chrisparadise579

Hey man, awesome job on your first 10lbs, that is a huge milestone, also great job starting to make changes in your life your gonna love it. 10lbs in the first month is very common, but 1750 for a male is very low, typically a male should not go below 2000 calories unless there is an underlying problem. Try 2000 calories a day total (no exercise cals) and thatll give you the desire 1-2lbs addper month, if/when your weight loss slows add 200 calories and thatll do the trick. Keep on rocking man you are gonna do great

TheVirgoddess

RudeboyCantFail wrote: »

Hi gang. I’ve been enjoying reading all your posts with tips, success and advice, so thanks to all who share. I have a question about the pace of weight loss.

I joined MFP right at the end of December. The basics if needed: 53 y.o., 5’10” and started at 210, set initial goal of losing 30 pounds. I set my goal pace at one pound per week. That set my daily calorie goal at 1750. I’m fairly good at exercising although have been more dedicated since I started logging everything. Almost every day I walk or run 30-60 minutes (missed maybe two days in last month). I typically eat close to my daily 1750 calories, and sometimes over with the calories I’ve “earned” by running, but have been almost always below the net number (again, maybe two days slightly over). I hit 10 pound loss a few days ago and MFP prompted me with a message – I don’t recall the exact wording but something to the effect that I was losing weight too quickly and did I want to reset my goal. I said no, but assume if I said yes it would have increased my daily calorie goal.

I know losing weight too quickly can be a problem if you have taken unusual drastic measures to do it, but I’m thinking I should not be overly concerned because (1) I think I can explain my pace so far (reduced snacking, more conscious of what I’m eating, consistent exercise, etc.) and (2) I’m thinking the pace may slow naturally in coming weeks as my body adjusts (based on…zero scientific evidence, but maybe?). Bottom line: I know I’m not doing anything crazy to explain the pace of loss so far and am feeling great. I believe I’ve just developed some very good, consistent habits, so is there any need to worry about the pace of losing weight or can I just keep my daily goal at 1750 for now and see what happens? Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

What MFP asked you was to reassess your goals/intake. It's normal - and it should be done every 10 pounds or so for two reasons: 1. the less you weigh, the less you burn on a day to day basis and 2. the less you weigh, the less you get to eat. So it would have decreased your daily calorie goal, not increased.

So yes, it's important to go in and let MFP recalculate your goals every 10-20 pounds. The closer you get to your goal, the less aggressive you need to be (as in pounds lost per week).

RudeboyCantFail

Thanks Chris and Virgo!

tbilly20

I've been using the app for more than a year. My first ten came off quickly as well. Then things started to get harder. My body adjusted, and weight fell off more slowly. If you feel good, and you're happy with the way things are going, then keep it up! There's always the possibility of stalling, so hit it while you can!