40 yr old female vs. 26 yr old female in weight loss challenge

Christiethorn1
Christiethorn1 Posts: 30 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
Hi there.

I am having a 5 week weight loss challenge. I am 40, my challenger is 26. We are judging by percentages.

I am looking for advice on how to compete with such a younger challenger. Thank you!!

Replies

  • strong_curves
    strong_curves Posts: 2,229 Member
    Accuracy - if you're not using a food scale, start now.
  • Bonny132
    Bonny132 Posts: 3,617 Member
    Weigh, measure and exercise :)
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Who has the most weight to lose? With only 5 weeks whoever has the most extra fat is likely going to be the winner.

    Low carb, especially in the last week, will also give you an edge by shedding more water weight.

    Also, if you aren't exercising regularly now, start. This might delay your results for the first 2-3 weeks, but by 5 weeks it will help.
  • StaciMarie1974
    StaciMarie1974 Posts: 4,138 Member
    The 26 year old has a slight 'advantage' in BMR but not enough to control the outcome.

    Are you about the same level of over-weightedness? If so, then its a even race I'd say. Log your food accurately and honestly.
    Christiethorn1 wrote: »
    Hi there.

    I am having a 5 week weight loss challenge. I am 40, my challenger is 26. We are judging by percentages.

    I am looking for advice on how to compete with such a younger challenger. Thank you!!

  • TR0berts
    TR0berts Posts: 7,739 Member
    My advice? Don't compete with her. Just go about your business in a smart and healthy way. Don't put undue pressure on yourself that could lead to bad habits and/or something potentially dangerous.
  • Christiethorn1
    Christiethorn1 Posts: 30 Member
    She has more to lose.

    It is not a unhealthy competition. We are just very competitive with each other and using that as a great motivator to get healthy!
  • Need2Exerc1se
    Need2Exerc1se Posts: 13,575 Member
    Christiethorn1 wrote: »
    She has more to lose.

    It is not a unhealthy competition. We are just very competitive with each other and using that as a great motivator to get healthy!

    I get it. I've done the same with co-workers before. The low carb thing helps a lot in the short term. The water weight will come back if you don't stick with it, but if you can stick with until after the contest you'll have a better shot.
  • canadjineh
    canadjineh Posts: 5,396 Member
    The more you have to lose the quicker it will come off if you stick to plan. Simple as that, the closer you are to goal, the more efficient your body becomes at energy conservation, even if you are exercising. So whoever has the most to lose will likely 'win' this 'competition.' In reality you will both be winners! ;)

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