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

How long will it take to notice a difference?

sawad4
sawad4 Posts: 2 Member
edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
So my highest weight was 147 pounds, and I'm down to 137 right now, but I just started myfitnesspal with a first goal of 117 pounds, maybe get down to 110 if I'm unsatisfied.
Despite losing 10 pounds over the last year, I didn't really see much of a difference. Now that I plan to lose an additional 20+ pounds over the next six months, after what time is it likely I will notice a difference? I really want to drop a size, maybe size and a half.

Replies

  • girlviernes
    girlviernes Posts: 2,402 Member
    What's your height? It can be helpful to take pictures and measurements, since it is hard to just "notice" differences. Also, it can help to have non-size related measures of success, such as your energy level, strength, endurance, etc.
  • PinkPixiexox
    PinkPixiexox Posts: 4,142 Member
    I'm 5 ft 2. I started off at 157.
    I've lost around 34 lbs to date and I started noticing a difference at around 30 lbs. Having said, I am quite petite and I am also my own worst critic - so it's likely I saw it but refused to believe it.

    Realistically, you're not going to visibly see much of a difference with 10lbs unless you are quite small to start with. Keep going, you are doing great and your body is thanking you for it!
  • KrisiAnnH
    KrisiAnnH Posts: 352 Member
    I started noticing a difference in how my clothes fit within the first 2 weeks- so 10lbs or so. But that is purely down to water weight, the only reason I was seeing a difference was because I was less bloated.

    As PinkPixiexox said, it's going to take more than 10lbs to see a difference, but dont let that discourage you! Often people dont see a difference in themselves because that's what they see every day, so it's hard to see such minute changes. I find taking progress photos really helps me to visualise how much I've lost and how different I look, and they can be great motivation :)
  • misterdale67
    misterdale67 Posts: 171 Member
    At 5'7" and 350# it took about 50# before anyone noticed.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    you look at yourself everyday...it's difficult to notice the slow and subtle changes in yourself...you should take pictures.
  • alanahp93
    alanahp93 Posts: 56 Member
    If you lose weight slowly like me its really important to take a before and after photo, I was about ready to give up after 3 months and only losing 10lbs and not seeing any diffrence in the mirror. Then I looked up my before photos and I was so shocked! Stay strong dont give up!
  • normamdls
    normamdls Posts: 15 Member
    I have lost 16lb and still don't see a difference, not even on pictures
  • Cats2626
    Cats2626 Posts: 27 Member
    I'm 5'7" and it took me about 25-30 pounds to notice a difference personally, even though I'd already lost 2 clothing sizes. Other people started noticing around 15-20 pounds.
  • sawad4
    sawad4 Posts: 2 Member
    Thank you all :) I'm only 5"2, and I take pictures but my bloating is crazy to be honest, some days I am significantly smaller and I'm like wow, then the next day I look really large, its ridiculous! So that makes it difficult to tell. But the motivation is great and everyone's stories are great to hear
  • stacydennis68
    stacydennis68 Posts: 1 Member
    i've used a measuring tape at waist/hips/bust/arm/thigh those numbers encourage me!! even if you can see the difference, you have proof and motivation to keep going
This discussion has been closed.

Categories