How long does it GENERALLY take to lose 20 pounds?

AdrienneinTO

As others have said, at your size, 1 lb a week is doing really well. So probably about 5 months.

Something that people usually don't think of at first (I didn't): It may seem like a long time to lose that weight, you may feel impatient and discouraged. However, when you start losing the weight, and your clothes fit better, you will feel awesome, even if it is only 5 lbs. And you will continue to feel better as you make your way through 10 lb, 15, lb, 20 lb. Don't give up.

EricMurano

Your weight seems to be fine for your height. Now if you want to lose more that's your perogative so I won't lecture you about that but since you're not overweight you're going to find it hard to lose that much weight. Your body is already at a good weight for your height so you're going to have to push to get lower ... (disclaimer: I'm just a dumb *kitten* on a forum).

I usually go by 1% of your weight per week as safe. At your weight probably less so this "1lb per week" answer that everyone's giving is probably better for you.

rose313

I only have 20 pounds to lose, its been 6 months and Ive only lost 5. If you are only a little overweight it is usually harder. It also depends on what you eat and how much you exercise.

amccrazgrl

I'm still at only 16lbs loss in doing this MFP thing for over a year now.
From Oct 2010 till now. I started at 169 and now 155. Yes I know thats only 14 lbs but everyday I weigh between 152-155.
I'm 5'2 1/2.

Shelley11390

Im working with my trainer and my goal is 20lbs. She said it would take about 6 months to be where I wanted weight wise and body fat wise. Generally tho, 1-2 lbs a week!

kwehkweh

It depends on your fitness level, the food you take in, and how your body responds to it. In general, the average person can easily lose a pound a week. Working at it and being disciplined about it, they can lose 2 pounds per week. Every now and then your body will throw in a curve ball and you won't lose any or you'll lose a ton. It all depends on your body. If fitness is new to you, chances are you'll burn more than you expected the first few weeks and then it will level out.

vmclach

For a young person around 20, who is 5 '9 and around 168 pounds, how long should it/could it take, while still being able to maintain after wards?

it took me 3 months to get from 145 to 130 and I'm 5'8"
I was 160 @ my highest and it took me a little less than a year to get to 145 (but i wasn't trying and didn't have MFP)
I'd say 6 months if you're lucky because you're already very close if not already a "healthy" weight

MzFury

It certainly depends on the person, but it has taken me since April to lose about 18 pounds - I think I've lost more like 25 in fat and gained at least a few pounds of muscle. I'm glad it's taken this long, I'm now 100% solid in my plan and lifestyle, and expect to hit my goal this year, though I no longer expect to do it in 2 or 3 more months... It could take you 8 - 12 weeks to lose 20 (healthfully), or it could take you 10 months - it's all worth it, you'll start feeling excellent the minute you're working out and feeding yourself well, seriously. Also take your measurements.

LindseyDD

The more you have to lose the faster it comes off!!

20 pounds = about 20 weeks if you are already fairly thin

If you were bigger you could lose 20 pounds in a a little over a month

When I first started I lost about 10 pounds a month now that I am down 80 pounds I have been losing about 5 pounds a month

Di3012

For a young person around 20, who is 5 '9 and around 168 pounds, how long should it/could it take, while still being able to maintain after wards?

A pound per day - 20 days.

hahaha only kidding, 20lbs in 20 days, I wish

I have known a couple of people to lose 20lbs in two months, but they were mighty strict with their eating and exercise.

MissFit0101

Probably a pound a week for the first 15 or so pounds and the last 5 you will want to lose very slowly by increasing your calories and having a very small deficit... so the last 5 pounds may (and should) take maybe 10 weeks or so.

boobee32

I would say that it all depends on YOU. How much you take in versus how much you burn. Also, how your body reacts to everything, water retention, salt intake, blah blah blah. You dont want to rush it, if you want it to stay off , Give yourself time to learn a new way of eating. 1 lb a week is normal.

goodasgoldilox165

Does it matter? If you keep going, you will get there eventually. This is the human race and it isn't really about speed! There is some good advice above. I agree that you should prepare to enjoy the journey - it is good feeling your clothes get too big and that you look healthier - take pleasure in these things. Don't rush - do it for life.

siabevis

depends on what u do

dreamzvt

You can break it down as scientifically into nice neat numbers as much as you'd like but the reality is no one can say. Every person is going to have a different metabolism, different levels of activity and different theories on diet. For me it took under 2 months. For others it takes much longer. Others still may take considerably less time.

Find a plan that works for you and keep at it! You'll see the changes happen. Good luck!

I agree 100%. Who's to say what works best for each individual. All of the above sounds right to me

kaleighblakley

I am 5'6 and weighed 145ish and lost 20 in 2.5- 3 months. I worked out everyday 2 hours 7 days a week and ate very healthy. Trying to do this again!!! Wish me Lucky

Timshel_

Average would be 1 to 2 pounds per week. However, people who are MORE overweight tend to weight rather quickly initially.

Taniia89

Hello I'm 25y/o 5'6.
Down 23lbs as of today.
Started my weight loss in April

LilyOfTheValley008

It took me a little less than 4 months and I was not that heavy to start with. I don't think think I put a great deal of effort in either, was just consistent.
Like others have said though it's different with everyone!