I want to go from a size 24 to 16 in 5 months...is this possible?

Ethansmommy94

Hello everyone! I am 28 years old, currently weighing in at 298 pounds and I wear a size 24. I have always been a "big" girl, as I am 5' 10" and weighed no less than 175 in high school. However, I packed on the pounds when I had my son 7 years ago, and I have been a yo-yo dieter since. I want to make a change this time for good. I want to make a lifestyle change. I have been counting my calories, and going to the gym, but I'm not really sure if I am doing what I should to maximize my weight loss. We have a beach trip planned for July, so I'm trying to use that as a concrete goal. I would love to be in at least a size 16 by then. What are some exercises or food rules I should be going by in order to lose that kind of weight in 5 months? Is it even possible?

HelloAgainJen

I am 5'8" and I am usually a size 16 around 200 lbs. Which would be a lot to accomplish is just 5 months.

I would just stick to tracking you food, trying to stay within a reasonable calorie deficit and get some exercise in. In 5 months your sure to feel better, be more energized, look healthier and be slimmer even if your not a size 16.

queenliz99

HelloAgainJen wrote: »

I am 5'8" and I am usually a size 16 around 200 lbs. Which would be a lot to accomplish is just 5 months.

I would just stick to tracking you food, trying to stay within a reasonable calorie deficit and get some exercise in. In 5 months your sure to feel better, be more energized, look healthier and be slimmer even if your not a size 16.

Yep! All of this, everyday. Nice post

socioseguro

Congratulations for your decision to start a lifetime change.
I suggest you buy yourself a food scale, weigh everything you eat and log it at MFP.
Eating at a deficit ( calories burned higher than calories ingested) will decrease your body weight.
Read the MFP Most Helpful post at the beginning of this message board.
Exercise is for fitness and health. Eating at a deficit is to lose body weight.
I suggest you focus on decreasing your present weight and monitor the weight changes in one app to see the trend ( there are many free apps for Android and iPhone).
Eat your favorite food in moderation and keep a daily calorie ingested deficit against your daily calorie burned.
Manage your expectations. Trying to lose X amount of weight in Y months may or may not be realistic. I prefer not to impose myself with those artificial deadlines. You know how long it took you to gain that weight, you are not going to lose it any faster.
Good luck with your healthy journey

WalkingAlong

I don't think it's possible. If you lose 1% of your weight per week, the recommended maximum (and that's challenging), that's 2-3 lbs. 20 weeks times 3 lbs. = 60 lbs, 298-60=238 lbs. So even with maximum (safe) losses I think you'd still be a ways from size 16. But I'm not 5'10", so I don't know that for sure.

But do go for the lifestyle change! You will lose size and feel great by July, no matter the clothing label.

malibu927

Probably not. It took me eleven months to go from a 22 (248 pounds) to a 16 (192-193 pounds). But any weight you lose between now and July, I'm sure will make you feel that much better on vacation!

callsitlikeiseeit

hmmm youre a lot taller than I am, so that can make a big difference.

it really depends on how you carry your weight and how and where it decides to come off.

i did not focus on a size or a time limit. I started at a 22/24 last january and am today a 12. it comes off my lower half MUCH slower.

make lifestyle changes. learn to properly weigh and log your food. start an exercise program (for health, not for weight loss). Learn the ins and outs of weight loss and improving your overall health. You will likely NOT be the size you want to be when you want to be it, but by making smaller, more sustainable changes, you will DEFINITELY feel and yes, even look better by this summer.

rachelr1116

I'm 5'11" and can fit into most things that are a size 16 and I'm 215 lbs. I was wearing a size 18 even at my highest weight, 237. So, you might be able to get close to a size 16 by your trip but don't be too disappointed if you don't reach that goal. You say you really want to change your lifestyle so focus on that!

Yourkindagirl

Hi. I don't think it is possible. That is a lot. If you did, it would probably be an unhealthy weight loss. You probably will do better to have a weight loss goal as opposed to size.

Take your measurements and weight. This is your starting weight. Also, take photos of before, so as you go along, you will see the small changes. This has kept me motivated. I have lost over 60 pounds and 11 inches off my waist. This did not happen overnight. It has taken a year and a half. It was slow weight loss; however, I look great. I have no sagging skin, I don't look sick. I have gone from a size 18 to a size 4. So, it can be done.

I think 25 pounds is probably a reasonable goal. Make sure you are eating all of your meals, drinking all of your water, eating at least 5 fruits and veggies daily, eating lean protein with every meal, taking a multi vitamin, and doing at least 30 minutes of exercise 5 days a week, consistently journaling, and it will come off. There are really no real tricks to healthy weight loss. Keep your focus. It can happen for you.

Also, if all else fails, join Weight Watchers. It worked for me. I needed accountability because I don't have good sense. I knew what to do, but for some reason, I needed someone looking at the scale with me. Besides, I get great tips and support from the members. It only cost $45 a month, and I was spending that on fast food alone.

Good luck.

alohajls

I am 5'10" and started at 324 in August and am now 259--65 pounds lost. I was a size 24 or 26 and am now probably a 20. I imagine what size you might fit into would depend greatly on how you carry your weight (I am very pear shaped).

No food rules except eating less than you burn, and being as exact with your calculations as possible (that means get a scale and weigh your food to the gram). There's no magic pill/food/exercise that will 'maximize' the process.

If you want to make a lifestyle change, then you have no deadline. Don't set yourself up for failure by fixating on a single moment in time. Just start, and then don't stop.

Lleldiranne

I honestly have no idea how possible it is. But if the trip is motivating you to make positive changes, then that's good.

Since you're looking at a size more than a number on the scale, I will suggest that you add weight lifting into your exercise routine right away. Look into New Rules of Lifting for Women (a book) or Starting Strength 5x5 (available on the web and as an app). By following a good program, you will retain muscle mass as you drop pounds, which will allow you to look better (slimmer) at a higher weight. This has the best chances of you getting close to your goals.

Either way, keep working towards it. You'll be healthier and have more energy when you go on your trip, and be able to enjoy it more, even if you don't quite reach the size you want by then. And you can continue on after that and celebrate more victories as you go.

ercarroll311

The information everyone has already said is great. Don't give yourself really tough timed goals because you're more likely, if you're like me, to feel frustrated when you don't reach them and give up. I've also found the more unattainable the goal, the harder I have to work, which makes the lifestyle very hard to maintain. Eat at a deficit, realize you'll have bad days, and get some exercise in. You'll learn a ton from these forums.

That said, everyone loses weight differently. If it comes off in the right places, that goal could happen, but it's unlikely. I've found the .5 lbs per week for every 25 pounds you're overweight to be a really good, maintainable goal. So, if you've got 50 to lose, focus on 1 lb per week. Remember that weight loss isn't linear. You'll see 4 lbs one week and a 2 lb gain the next. Give it time, it's so worth it.

CasseyBee

all the above. However, set small achievable goals weekly that way you can break down the bigger picture and its not so overwhelming. For example, my ultimate goal is to lose 100lbs by July yet I started my journey in May 2015. I make small goals each week and weigh in on Sunday mornings. This week my goal is to lose 3lbs by sunday. This keeps me on track. Use MFP to track your food and exercise.

angelexperiment

I don't know if it's that realistic. Not to say not achievable. But as they say weightloss is not linear. Some weeks you lose some weeks nothing, or for weeks nothing.

For example my story: my first six months initially I lost 8 lbs and lost nothing for 6 months! But after revamping my diet ( I thought was healthy) and portions and started weight my food I started to lose. I started at a 22. In 6 months I lost around 30 lbs and now I'm in a 14/16. Almost to 200 now and started at 234. I'm 5'4.

If you are seriously dedicated and can stick to your calories, and exercise daily it may be achieved. But realize stuff happens and you won't always be able to do either. You may have binges ( if you have that issue I do) and it can set you back.

But as long as you keep trying and don't quit you will get there! Good luck on your journey.

jmgj27

I'm 5'8" and can wear a comfortable size 16 at around 16 stone (224) without too many problems. That would give you a 74lb weight loss in 5 months so probably not. I started at 264.6 on Jan 4th and have now lost 23.4lbs already, I think big girls do tend to drop a fair amount of weight quite quickly at the beginning. I'm eating 1500-1600 cals a day and not eating back my exercise calories so I'm not starving myself either. I have lost significant weight once before and found it relatively easy to lose 3lbs a week down to around the 224 mark when it started to drop off. All I can say, after all that, is give it a go! Even if you haven't made it to a size 16 by then you'll be smaller and happier with your weight than you are now! Good luck!

LHWhite903

FACT: Clothing sizes are not standardized.

Lounmoun

I think it would be hard to say because how weight comes off your body and effects your measurements is different from someone else's body. I think you could realistically lose 20-40 lbs in 5 months but I don't know how that would change your clothing size or body shape. Clothing size is just a number that changes by brand anyway.
I lost 25 lbs and 5" off my waist but only 2" off my hips and bust. My thighs and calves haven't changed size much at all. I really wasn't needing new clothes until around 20 lb loss.

88meli88

It's great to have such a motivating goal. But I find that when I put too ambitious goals in front of myself, I am more likely to fail. Instead, having the attitude that it takes what it takes and as long as it takes keeps me going and empowered. So make an ambitious plan for yourself in terms of actions: keep a reasonable deficit, track all your food, work out 3-4 times a weel and you will see results but do not set your goal in terms of weight/size lost.

So I don't really agree w the "wisdom" so popular these days on MFP that exercise doesn't matter for weight loss. First of all, if you live in a deficit even 200-300 extra calories could mean a small difference in how your level of satiety or you can create your targeted deficit with less restriction on your food intake. And for some people, psychologically, this is important. Also, in your case, since your target is a size and not weight lost, definitely do resistance training, HIIT, compound moves. Try the free channel of fitness blender or the phone app Nike Training Club. I saw fast changes in my pants size using this latter 3 times a week starting w 30 workouts and moving up to 45. I went from size 18 to 14 in a few months...

Good luck.

ilex70

IME plus sizes are roughly 20 -25 pounds per size, regular sizes more like 10 pounds a size. Based on that I would guess it would take an 80 pound weight loss for you to get into a size 16.

With a higher starting weight you can probably do better than 2 pounds a week, but 80 in 20 weeks or so would be quite extreme and generally unlikely.

You should absolutely still get started and lose as best you can. At 2.5 pounds average a week you could lose 50 pounds and you will surely feel much better.

Ninkyou

queenliz99 wrote: »

HelloAgainJen wrote: »

I am 5'8" and I am usually a size 16 around 200 lbs. Which would be a lot to accomplish is just 5 months.

I would just stick to tracking you food, trying to stay within a reasonable calorie deficit and get some exercise in. In 5 months your sure to feel better, be more energized, look healthier and be slimmer even if your not a size 16.

Yep! All of this, everyday. Nice post

Yes, this.

Do what you can, enjoy your beach trip and then continue on after you get back.

sanfromny

My opinion- Aim for a more attainable goal, like 50lbs. That would be a fantastic (and workable) accomplishment. I think it would be exciting to say "I've loss 50lbs in 5 months". That's huge, even if it's not a size 16...which is different for every woman, but 50lbs is 50lbs! Good luck!

VictoryGarden

One of my favorite sayings on here is: A year from now, you'll wish you started today!! So even if you can't be the magical size by this trip, what about NEXT year's trip? Maybe by that one it could be a size 12 or less IF you start TODAY!

So don't get discouraged if you can't reach your magical size. Start now. Work hard. Make good choices. Do strength exercises. Walk and/or get cardio in when you can.

Can't promise it will be magical, or easy, or anything of the sort. But even 10 lbs down, you'll start to feel better! You can do it!!

size102b

My profile pic I lost 71lbs in 11 months doing tons exercise 100% on plan 1500 calories
It was hard work dropped from a size 22 to 14 (uk)

12 high intense Zumba classes a week
3-4 gym sessions a week
jogging 3 days a week & walked 2 hours 5 days a week

Resulting in torn calve muscle couldn't walk for 6 weeks.

Last year I got really ill so gained 30lbs this time I'm thinking 1lbs a week is more easier to obtain I can't exercise like this not do I want to as it became an addiction
We all have goals events etc but slow & steady is better yes more frustrating but believe me it's better to do 3-4 exercise sessions a week forever than to do tons to lose quickly and injure yourself

__Fatty2Fitty__

Anything is possible I think but don't try too lose too much too fast as in my experience you get stuck on a very stubborn plateau or just start gaining again! Good luck

Therealobi1

hiyah i lost weight to go on holiday a few years back, best decision i ever made. not looked back since
no one really can answer that question for you, but if you work hard and dont give up you will lose weight by july
log as accurate as you can everyday. keep moving and you will make a difference
good luck

konagirl64

Hi, I started at your weight and I'm 6', I'm also 51 yo. I entered all my info into MFP with loss of 2# week, sedentary (I'm on LOA from work secondary to extreme hip pain, needing hip replacement). I bought a recumbent stationary bike which I ride 5 days a week ( usually 350-400+ miles a month), Plus upper body weight training( dumbbells). I usually don't eat back exercise calories unless I'm starving. I don't have "cheat days". I weight and measure every thing that goes into my mouth. I drink a lot of water daily. I lost no weight the first month, very depressing but kept going. November the weight started dropping. I'm down 42# as of today (approx 5 months) and I was able to put on my size 16 Levi's on today, granted I've got a muffin top going on but I'm wearing them with a sweat shirt. I have found that this is a health journey and really just take it one day at a time, can't set a goal because I would be to depressed/failure. I wish you luck on your journey I think you can get close to your goal, commit yourself!!! You can do it and have a wonderful vacation.

scolaris

Why the arbitrary vacation deadline AND a specific size? Break that thought into two sentences... 'I want to get in the best shape possible, starting right now, for my vacation in July.' and 'I think I would look and feel really good around a size 16 so my goal is to lose X sizes.' See what I did there? Weight loss is not like the drive thru window where you pull in, order up, and race off to the next thing. No. You need to do your work consistently and allow your body to do its work on its own timeline. It's good to have goals! But don't make them sound like hostage demands.

ashleyjongepier

I'm 5'4 and I re started at 300 lbs last Nov at a size 26/28, by June I was a size 16. I lost a total of about 80 lbs in 7 months. Not going to lie a few months I netted around 800 cals a day an then stalled my weight loss/ gained abit back for the next 5/6 months. I'm now 214 and focusing on over all health vs scale number. It can be done but it won't be fun or even safe. Keep logging, get a good workout plan that mixes cardio and weight training. I'd focus more on life past your trip, over all health and lifetime success.

ManiacalLaugh

ashleyjongepier wrote: »

I'm 5'4 and I re started at 300 lbs last Nov at a size 26/28, by June I was a size 16. I lost a total of about 80 lbs in 7 months. Not going to lie a few months I netted around 800 cals a day an then stalled my weight loss/ gained abit back for the next 5/6 months. I'm now 214 and focusing on over all health vs scale number. It can be done but it won't be fun or even safe. Keep logging, get a good workout plan that mixes cardio and weight training. I'd focus more on life past your trip, over all health and lifetime success.

OP, please do not do what this post describes in the first half. Taking your calories that low will do more harm than good. Very low calorie diets (VLCDs) can wreak havoc on your body and your lean muscle mass (lean muscle mass includes important things like your heart). It also will likely lead to catastrophic failure.

The last part of the above post is spot on, however.

For reference, I was a 24 and am now a 12 (US). It's taken me a long time (three years). I've lost slowly (and I could've done it faster but for a few hiccups), but overall, I'm please with where I am right now. However, I will put a little bit of blame for my extra-wide hips (wide enough to have a thigh gap when I was still 100 lbs overweight). Body type, shape, and height are huge factors when it comes to dropping sizes. You might experience a completely different result than anyone who is replying to you.

k_nelson_24

If you would like this to be a permanent change, I would not try and put any time restraints on yourself. That is too much pressure and you may be setting yourself up for a big disappointment. To be most effective, focus on one week at a time. It took me just about one year to lose 75 lbs and go from a size 16 to a (snug) size 8. My average weekly weight loss was about 1 to 2 lbs. Any more than that and I feel like it wouldn't be very sustainable. The key part to understanding that this journey is for life is realizing there is no deadline and you won't be able to go back to your old habits once you reach your goal.

azulvioleta6

We have similar starting weights/sizes/height/build. I was also around a 24 when I began. My lowest weight as a fully-grown adult was 190 (at 19 years old) and I am THIN at that weight.

I think that I hit 16 around 250 pounds. So, that would be 50 pounds or 10 pounds/month. While that is possible, it is likely a little faster than is healthy and probably unsustainable.

A better goal might be to focus on developing new habits and reaching fitness milestones. Clothing size is not a very concrete thing and it doesn't mean very much.