Can you lose 20-23 pounds in 3 months?

You and I are at the same stats right now. I'm only looking to lose about 10 (no more than 15) more pounds, and I expect to do it over the next 3 months or so. You aren't going to drop 20-30 pounds that quickly though, unless you eat at quite a large deficit (and probably be hungry all the time) and work out constantly. Doesn't sound like much fun. 145-150 is considered the "ideal weight" for our height, if there even is such a thing, going down to 130 seems a bit drastic to me, but if that's your ultimate goal I would suggest a much longer timeframe.

I have lost 12lbs in two months. It could be possible, if you make this a lifestyle choice. I eat 1,660 a day minimum, and aim for .5lb loss/week. It's been a lot more because it's the beginning of my journey and I've become more active. I started at around 148-150 though, so a little less than you.

I would recommend doing a lower loss goal, so that you can adapt to the changes better. I've tried the 1,200 cal/day plan, and I was miserable and hungry. I also couldn't stick to it. Lowering my weekly loss goals has allowed me to adapt to my lifestyle changes better, and has lead to unintended bigger losses. My next goal was to lose another 10lbs in two and a half months, just to put it into perspective.

Punch in your goal and stats into MFP, and aim for a .5/1lb a week loss, and follow what MFP says.

I'm 5'9" and was very close to the same starting weight as you and lost 21 pounds in 2 months, so I'd say it's absolutely possible.

Edited to add, I do not starve myself or exercise till I'm blue in the face. I have about 1600 cals per day on average and do an hour of walking or walk/run everyday.

Given your height and your already healthy weight? I'd say no, not in a healthy way, anyway.

Just gonna pipe in with my two cents.
Saying she is already a "healthy weight" and that she won't be able to do it healthfully isn't helpful.

I was a healthy weight when I started. But I am losing the weight the right way, and reaching a goal that is still good for my height. Wanting to lose weight within a healthy range for your height isn't wrong. Nor is telling someone they won't be able to do it healthfully, when clearly people within this thread have done it.

They didn't say she couldn't or shouldn't lose weight because she's at a healthy weight. They're saying she won't lose it that fast. Do you think she's going to lose it that fast the "right way?"

I have, and I started at a lower weight than her. My weight loss in two months has been around 12lbs.
And that was with no starving, and no deprivation. It is possible.

Edit: typo.

That's a rapid weight loss. While people do succeed in this, be aware that sometimes this results in two unwanted results: saggy skin (depending a bit on your age) and quick weight regain (and then some).

That's a rapid weight loss. While people do succeed in this, be aware that sometimes this results in two unwanted results: saggy skin (depending a bit on your age) and quick weight regain (and then some).

You're not going to get saggy skin from losing 20 lbs...fast or slow.

Hey guys I want to lose 20-23 pounds in about three months and I wanted to know if this was possible. I am 160LBS, female and 5"9'. About how many calories should I eat and how much should I workout to achieve this goal if its possible? Thanks.:happy:

If you want to lose 20 lbs in 3 months, there are plenty of ways to do that. The one sure way NOT to do it is spending time on a message board trying to figure out "the best way". Just start doing it. Eat less. Exercise more.

Given your height and your already healthy weight? I'd say no, not in a healthy way, anyway.

Just gonna pipe in with my two cents.
Saying she is already a "healthy weight" and that she won't be able to do it healthfully isn't helpful.

I was a healthy weight when I started. But I am losing the weight the right way, and reaching a goal that is still good for my height. Wanting to lose weight within a healthy range for your height isn't wrong. Nor is telling someone they won't be able to do it healthfully, when clearly people within this thread have done it.

FAST. She wants to do it FAST. THAT was my purpose in replying to her question.

HAHA, you tell 'em Sabine.

Hey guys I want to lose 20-23 pounds in about three months and I wanted to know if this was possible. I am 160LBS, female and 5"9'. About how many calories should I eat and how much should I workout to achieve this goal if its possible? Thanks.:happy:

If you want to lose 20 lbs in 3 months, there are plenty of ways to do that. The one sure way NOT to do it is spending time on a message board trying to figure out "the best way". Just start doing it. Eat less. Exercise more.

Good answer.

yes easily

It is possible because I did.

I started Feb 1st of this year and to date I have lost 33 pounds (started around 218 pounds). I didn't do anything crazy. I only changed what I ate, as far as drastically cutting out junk food and fast food. I only drink water, no juices and soda and I exercise 5-6 times per week. I started with a 1500 calorie regimen, went to 1200, now i'm at 1300 calories.

It is possible because I did.

I started Feb 1st of this year and to date I have lost 33 pounds (started around 218 pounds). I didn't do anything crazy. I only changed what I ate, as far as drastically cutting out junk food and fast food. I only drink water, no juices and soda and I exercise 5-6 times per week. I started with a 1500 calorie regimen, went to 1200, now i'm at 1300 calories.

You have much more to lose. It's much slower when you only have a little bit to lose.
Congrats on your loss by the way!

First off people saying losing 20-23 lbs in 3 months as fast? That is an average 2 lbs per week is completely healthy!

I started on here at 155 and I am 5'7.5- I lost 20 lbs in 3 months, and the last 5-8 lbs took me almost 6 months after that.

I did it with regular exercise and watching my calories. I didn't starve myself, I very much adopted the IIFYM (if it fits your macros) and ate what I liked in moderation.

Also- she didn't state that she wanted to do it "fast" she just asked if it was possible to lose 20 lbs in 3 months. Yes, it is. Will everyone be able to? No, but if she is staying within a healthy means and limits than there is nothing wrong with a 2lb per week loss.

2 lbs per week is healthy if you have 75 lbs or more to lose. It's not healthy the less you have to lose, because you would have to have to continue a 1000 calorie deficit per day even as your TDEE is dropping with your weight loss. It runs the risk of putting you into calorie intakes below 1200, which is why you often see the following recommended on MFP:

More than 75 lbs: 2 lbs/week
40-75 lbs: 1.5 lbs/week
10-40 lbs: 1 lb/week
Less than 10 lbs: 0.5 lb/week

Absolutely !!!!!