Realistic to lose 5/5.5 stone (70lbs) in 6 months? / 2-3lbs every week?

jadelyndsey · March 2018

Hi everyone.

I'm going on holiday in about 6 months. I've been really trying to lose weight for the last couple weeks (exact calorie input via using scales for food etc) and I have managed to lose around 9lbs so far, and lost a stone over the course of last year via just cutting down on junk. I've selected the "lose 2lbs" goal on MFP, and I've also been doing cardio and full body strength exercises/gym 2-3 times per week.

I've yo-yo'd a lot historically, and I know my biggest losses always happen within the first couple weeks, then I lose motivation because I don't see results on the scale. I've never lost more than a stone or two in the time frame of a month-2 months then I usually slip back into old habits but I am 100% making sure I keep up my current regimen for at least 6 months because I've got a big holiday coming up, but I worry I'm not going to be able to get anywhere near target. Not that this will stop me from trying but I feel like I need some success stories or reassurance here!!

Has anyone managed to lose this amount in this time? Are my expectations unrealistic?

Thanks x

jadelyndsey · March 2018

For reference, I am 6'1, female, 24 y/o and currently weigh 17 stone 9 / 238lbs x

malibu927 · March 2018

Probably not, but at your size you can a good way there. As you get closer to your goal you’ll probably find it easier to lower your rate of loss (both to fuel your body and preserve as much muscle mass as possible).

kshama2001 · March 2018

With only 70 pounds to lose, losing 2-3 pounds a week for 6 months is an overly aggressive goal, and a recipe for burnout leading to binging, and regaining weight.

hroderick · March 2018

That is very aggressive. I wouldn't want to say it can't be done, but suggest you expand with complimentary goals like improve 10k time, give up cheat days, or take a college nutrition course. A bit bigger sculpted body with boundless energy is so much finer than a flesh bag in a bikini. Have a funtastic holiday

kimny72 · March 2018

Probably not realistic. You might be able to lose 2 lbs per week in the beginning, but your rate of loss should slow down as you get smaller. Losing that fast when you aren't obese to begin with most likely means losing far more muscle than necessary, increasing the risk that you won't look the way you'd picture yourself when you get to goal.

One of the reasons you yo-yo is probably because you try to lose weight fast and quit. Losing at a more reasonable rate (1 lb per week once you get within 50 or so lbs of goal) is more sustainable and can set you up better for maintenance.

Having said that, you can get a good part of the way there, and if you incorporate some strength training as you go, will look and feel great regardless of the number on the scale. Good luck!

kommodevaran · March 2018

The reason you haven't been able to lose/maintain loss in the past, hasn't been the lack of holidays to lose weight for, but your impatience and unrealistic expectations. You will not get any reassurance that you can lose 70 pounds in six months, because you won't, but that will not keep you from trying.

Someone morbidly obese can lose 2-3 pounds per week. You are not in that category.

You will, however, lose a good chunk of it, if you stick to an appropriate calorie deficit, consistently, and for real, for six months.

CMNVA · March 2018

I'd say you can probably lose half of that. And at 6'1", you'll be looking pretty good, especially if you are working out.

Realistic to lose 5/5.5 stone (70lbs) in 6 months? / 2-3lbs every week?

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