We are pleased to announce that as of March 4, 2025, an updated Rich Text Editor has been introduced in the MyFitnessPal Community. To learn more about the changes, please click here. We look forward to sharing this new feature with you!

1 lb loss monthly... too slow or good rate?

YourGirl32
YourGirl32 Posts: 16 Member
edited February 25 in Health and Weight Loss
First off, I'm 5'3" and 120 lbs. No matter how good I am at hitting my goal in cals and macros, I am only losing 1 lb every month. I weigh my food and log consistently. Is the slow loss because I'm so close to my goal or should I be doing something different?

Replies

  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I am not sure why you are trying to lose weight at all...

    My sister is 5 ft 3 and weighs 120-125lbs and wears a size 2....

    but at your current weight/height 1lb a month is more than enough imho
  • missiontofitness
    missiontofitness Posts: 4,059 Member
    First off, I'm 5'3" and 120 lbs. No matter how good I am at hitting my goal in cals and macros, I am only losing 1 lb every month. I weigh my food and log consistently. Is the slow loss because I'm so close to my goal or should I be doing something different?

    If you have a very small goal, you should be aiming for .5lb/week. You also have to factor in water weight, and normal daily fluctuations. Measurements can be a better indicator of progress than the number on a scale.
    At 120lbs, you are within a healthy range for your height. I would say to evaluate your goals, see if you do need to lose more weight, and continue from there. I would suggest looking in to strength training at this point, to see if you can tone up.
  • bowlerae
    bowlerae Posts: 555 Member
    I am not sure why you are trying to lose weight at all...

    My sister is 5 ft 3 and weighs 120-125lbs and wears a size 2....

    but at your current weight/height 1lb a month is more than enough imho

    I agree with ^^this...but for the sake of trying to get you the information you need. What is your current calorie intake? age?
  • Aaron_K123
    Aaron_K123 Posts: 7,122 Member
    Well not only are you close to your goal but 1 pound is a significantly larger portion of your total bodyweight than it is for say a 250 pound man.

    People should expect to lose a certain % of their total bodyweight over time, not a specific number of pounds. I mean does it make sense for a 120 pound woman to expect to lose weight in terms of pounds at the same rate as someone 2 or 3 times heavier?

    To answer your question I think 1 pound a month is fine especially if as you say that is what you can manage to accomplish.
  • YourGirl32
    YourGirl32 Posts: 16 Member
    Sorry for leaving out important information! I am 32 years old and net 1,450 cals daily. I've lost 48 lbs and want to lose 2-5 more. My goal weight is 120, but I figured I should aim for a few pounds below that so if I start gaining again or if I gain a few pounds after switching to maintenance, I will have a few pounds wriggle room to do that without going ovef my goal weight.
  • fatnutjob
    fatnutjob Posts: 20 Member
    That is pretty slow. You may have hit a plateau?
  • ahoy_m8
    ahoy_m8 Posts: 3,053 Member
    That is pretty slow. You may have hit a plateau?

    Apologies for mincing words, but plateauing at the goal weight is pretty much maintaining, and that's great! Good job! I do think it's realistic to have a goal "range" of a few pounds vs. a single weight, as we all fluctuate somewhat. Given that you are at your goal, your rate of loss sounds ideal.
  • Kalikel
    Kalikel Posts: 9,603 Member
    Too slow for who? If it's fast enough for you, it's fast enough. If it isn't, then it's not.

    Do what makes you happy. :)
  • I think that your weight loss is fine, Especially if you are so close to your goal. I would suggest just hitting the gym or your choice of exercise a little bit harder, and keeping your cals about the same if you really want to lose that extra couple pounds.
This discussion has been closed.