Realistic Weight Loss Goals

nspink22

Hello, everyone! I am just curious as to whether or not my weight loss goals are realistic. I am 24 years old, 5'2" and currently 135lbs. My goal weight is 120. Is a pound a week a realistic goal? Should it be lower? Higher? I used to be very athletic (cross country runner, soccer player, track) but when I went to college, my activity level really slowed down and is even lower now that I work at a desk job. I joined a gym and have been doing a good job of going to work out but I have started off well before and then gave up easily. I am a very all or nothing person, so if I don't see big results right away, it is hard for me to keep going. I also don't lose weight easily, and since I am not necessarily "overweight" but rather, out of shape, the weight does not come off very quickly. I need something that will be able to keep my drive and motivation up.

ajfrench

I think a pound a week is realistic, but given that you don't have much to lose, you may only see a half-pound a week.

hammondte

I have been up and down with my weight however I know that 1 pound per week is a great goal. Just stick with it. Using the food log really helps me maintain. When I see the calorie or fat content of some foods, I just say no and find a better alternative. Light exercise is great too. I wish you continued motivation!

LorinaLynn

A decent guideline based on how much you have to lose:

75lbs or more: Choose to lose 2lbs/week
40-75 pounds: Choose to lose 1.5lbs/week
25-40 pounds: Choose to lose 1lb/week
15-20 pounds: Choose either 1/2lb or 1lb
Less than 15/20 pounds: choose 1/2 lb/week

CajunApril

Since you don't have much to loose, maybe focusing on inches instead of pounds would be a better approach for you. It sounds like you don't need to loose much. Seems like you will be focusing more on turning loose fat into muscle which won't make a big difference in your weight. If you want to focus on the pounds then do the inches as well. this way if you don't see the pounds moving as fast as you like you have somethng else to resort to for proof of progression.

Moonbyebye

I think 1 pound a week is super realistic! Most people want 3-4! Which is very difficult (maybe not the first week with water weight and all that..) but nope!

nspink22

Thanks guys!