Question about weight loss rate?

thordisintho

So, I've only recently committed to finally losing these (about) 65 extra kgs I'm lugging around.
I'm a 22yrs old woman, started MFP 2 weeks ago at 140kg/308lbs (all time high) and today I am 136.6kg/301.2lbs. I set my weight loss goal for 2lbs (1kg) a week as I know that is the "quick" safe rate to lose weight and have gone over my calories quite a few days but some days I was under.

I fluctuate very much and quickly in weight and once lost 8kgs in 3 weeks by using Herbalife and walking to and from work. What I'm concerned about is losing too quickly. I don't want to do myself any more damage than I have already by gaining this weight and I really want to avoid loose skin. I've also read that those with a lot to lose can safely lose more quickly to begin with and even though I certainly fit in that group I'm not sure the loss should be this big?

So my question is: should I change my weekly goal and try to slow the loss down or should I wait longer and see if it slows down if I continue to follow this plan?

Thank you for taking the time to answer

catcrazy

Mine is set to 2lb a week but I rarely see that now but I did some sums today and despite a 3 month plateau my losses have averaged out at 1 & 1/2 pounds a week. My best week I lost 7lbs...its sort of does its own thing. If you are doing ok on the allocated calories carry on but if you find it a struggle change your weekly weight loss goal to less.

Well done on your loss so far

kmeekhof

I would say you are safe to stay at a 2 lb /week loss. Make sure you incorporate strength training and toning into your workout routine. This should help with the loose skin you are concerned about. You will fluctuate each week how much you lose. Some weeks it may be 4 lbs some weeks it may be 0.2 and some you might even gain a little. Stick with it and you will get there.

hush7hush

If you're just starting, it's likely that you're losing a lot of water weight.
See if it continues.

aoifebr

Hey there,

Firstly WELL DONE!!!! What a great start....:flowerforyou:

Everyone is different however normally you lose weight quickly at the start because you’re doing something radically different & you shock your body, plus you lose "water weight" (when you eat a lot of junk food/over processed food it create water retention which you lose when you cut out that type of food). A few weeks ago I altered my diet & dropped 2kg a week for 3 weeks, since then I've gone over then under 90kg so many times I've lost count but I'm getting fitter, my clothes are looser & I feel better so I know it’s a temporary plateau.

If I was you I'd relax a little, in a week or two if the rapid weight lose it doesn’t slow down maybe look at what you are eating/doing. In the meantime keep up the good work :happy:

ladyhawk00

The first couple of weeks are often higher due to water weight loss; some people lose 10+ in a week just due to water weight in their first week or two. So that's not a big concern. It will likely slow down to 2-3 lbs per week in the next week or two.

As mentioned, as long as you are comfortable with your cal goal and don't feel REALLY deprived, you should be fine to stay at 2 lbs. Some people will do a little better starting out slower, to "ease into" the changes in habits, but if you feel like the cal goal you have is sustainable, then just stick with it. 2 lbs per week should be slow enough to avoid some of the issues with loose skin, but some of that is also dependent on genetics.

Also, remember to use measurements, in addition to the scale. Sometimes the scale doesn't tell the whole story, so it can be nice to have measurements to go by as well. Congrats on getting started and good luck reaching your goals! :flowerforyou:

Thriceshy

So, I've only recently committed to finally losing these (about) 65 extra kgs I'm lugging around.
I'm a 22yrs old woman, started MFP 2 weeks ago at 140kg/308lbs (all time high) and today I am 136.6kg/301.2lbs. I set my weight loss goal for 2lbs (1kg) a week as I know that is the "quick" safe rate to lose weight and have gone over my calories quite a few days but some days I was under.

I fluctuate very much and quickly in weight and once lost 8kgs in 3 weeks by using Herbalife and walking to and from work. What I'm concerned about is losing too quickly. I don't want to do myself any more damage than I have already by gaining this weight and I really want to avoid loose skin. I've also read that those with a lot to lose can safely lose more quickly to begin with and even though I certainly fit in that group I'm not sure the loss should be this big?

So my question is: should I change my weekly goal and try to slow the loss down or should I wait longer and see if it slows down if I continue to follow this plan?

Thank you for taking the time to answer

I lost like crazy at first when set at 2 lbs a week--I went from 357 to 317 in two months. But now I've slowed down dramatically--I seem to be at around 1-2 1/2 lbs a week, which I'm happy with. I've heard and read before that heavier folks (like me) often drop weight pretty dramatically at first, both because our bodies are accustomed to more calories and because we have more water to lose.

I wouldn't set down at this point--7 lbs in two weeks isn't horrifying unless you keep at that pace for a longer term or cut back your eating to a scary level. I'd keep doing what you're doing for a while longer and see how it goes. I'll bet it slows to a more sustainable rate soon.

And hey--good job!

Kris

kje2011

info for later,bump

thordisintho

If I was you I'd relax a little, in a week or two if the rapid weight lose it doesn’t slow down maybe look at what you are eating/doing. In the meantime keep up the good work :happy:

Thank you, I can't wait for other people to notice :laugh:
I guess I'm just really concerned about doing this the right and healthy way. I wasn't sure how long the initial "shock" period should last. I will keep going like this and in a week or two I will re-evaluate
Oh, and congratulations all of you on your progress!

dustyhockeymom

I think you are fine. I had a lot of weight come off quickly at first too. Now, just over four months in when I average my loss over time I am still pleased but it has slowed way down and I still have my calories set at 2 pounds per week.

thordisintho

Thanks to all of you for your answers.
As I said, I wasn't sure how long this rapid loss was normal/safe.
I'm so glad I found MFP!