Has anyone actually lost weight from walking/running??
Ayesha0624
Posts: 95 Member
I know it sounds silly and I understand everyone does what works best for them. I just started walking...briskly and jogging (daily)...and I am just curious to know if anyone else has had success with weight/fat loss from walking and running! Outside of that I just got serious last week with moving forward to a healthier version of me. I purchased a food scale and have been weighing and logging everything I eat and now I am incorporating daily exercise which just happens to be walking/jogging since its easy and free haha! I'm down 1lb! 
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Replies
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I don't understand the question. You don't lose weight FROM running. Running or walking can increase your total daily expenditure, or increase your calorie deficit which can aid in weight loss.
I keep my steps to a minimum in order to meet the lightly active level, which makes it easier to lose or maintain than if I was sedentary. I never lost weight FROM walking though.20 -
I lost 100 pounds by mostly walking and very occasional running. However, I credit my success much more from staying in a Calorie deficit by using measuring cups and measuring spoons for logging all food/drink, and verifying all MFP food items using nutrition facts labels or online sources. I ate back 75 to 90% of my earned walking/running Calories while I was losing, which averaged about 200 extra Calories per hour of logged activity. I finally bought a food scale after I reached maintenance. I use the food scale every day now to stay in maintenance in order to eat/drink the maximum amount of Calories I can while not gaining.11
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It sounds like you already get it, that weight loss actually comes from a calorie deficit. Good on you for weighing, measuring, and logging. IMO that's key.
As for walking, jogging, hiking and/or running being a legit form of exercise - I absolutely think it is.
I will say though, I spent several years NOT logging my food or tracking my calories, but walking briskly to upbeat music, 3-5 miles six times per week (sometimes more than that) and I was so incredibly frustrated when I lost around 10 lb per year, and I was starting out at 300 so I had a long way to go. When I "discovered" My Fitness Pal and got serious about the calorie thing it was like magic to me because everything accelerated and I lost the weight I'd worked super hard trying to lose "through walking".10 -
I've started losing weight since I started training for a marathon. The running didn't make much difference when I was running 8 miles total per week but when I worked up to three 3 mile runs and one 12 mile run per week, holy crap! My results have been impressive. 4 lbs and 2 inches off my stomach has been my best single month improvement so far. And yes, the free part is really nice ☺5
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I don't understand the question. You don't lose weight FROM running. Running or walking can increase your total daily expenditure, or increase your calorie deficit which can aid in weight loss.
I keep my steps to a minimum in order to meet the lightly active level, which makes it easier to lose or maintain than if I was sedentary. I never lost weight FROM walking though.
Welp...sounds like your the expert. So, how did YOU lose weight. Or whatever you consider to be "physically fit". Please. Enlighten me12 -
You lose weight by consuming fewer calories than your body uses.
You don't have to exercise at all to lose weight, although it's good to exercise for overall health. I lost almost all of my excess weight without exercise. Exercise can bump up your calorie budget but it can also make you want to eat more.6 -
Since I started running I have put on weight .. For the simple reason that a mere 10k run makes me rediculously hungry for the rest of the day and I can’t stick to my goals5
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@Ayesha0624 to answer your question directly. You probably will not lose much weight simply by walking alone. However combined with accurately tracking your calorie intake as you are doing and being consistent with your exercise you can certainly take off quite a bit of weight. My wife (Who I am amazed by) is 46 years young and has recently started back with weight watchers. She does not work out at all however she is a Pharmacy Technician and consistently logs over 10K steps per day while doing her job in the hospital. In 10 short weeks she has erased 20 pounds simply by staying active at work and tracking her food intake. She is definitely NOT a runner, does not touch any weights or do any other sort of fitness however the weight is melting off of her. She has inspired me to attack my bowling ball belly and to make some changes with my diet. I am into exercise and have just seriously began reading books to explain how the body works and how different foods affect our bodies. The saying "Knowledge is Power" is definitely true. I am a type 2 diabetic and my doctor encourages me to go on a 20 minute walk everyday. I go for much longer walks than prescribed and I have noticed the things are much better for me health wise when I get my walks in. I live in a hilly area so I can pick different levels of walks to go on from flat to pretty extreme inclines. Your body will let you know what works best for you so stay in touch with it and keep on moving forward. Congrats on your 1 pound off! Many more to come!4
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Ayesha0624 wrote: »I don't understand the question. You don't lose weight FROM running. Running or walking can increase your total daily expenditure, or increase your calorie deficit which can aid in weight loss.
I keep my steps to a minimum in order to meet the lightly active level, which makes it easier to lose or maintain than if I was sedentary. I never lost weight FROM walking though.
Welp...sounds like your the expert. So, how did YOU lose weight. Or whatever you consider to be "physically fit". Please. Enlighten me
Losing weight isn't much to do with being physically fit.6 -
Sprinting and weight training will help; at least that has been my experience. I have run several marathons and discovered that long distance running without the strength training is not the equation for weight/fat loss… For me! However, I have a friend who lost 50 pounds by incorporating a mile day for six months… She was heavier than I was, so that may have something to do with it! Well wishes on your journey chickadee!
On another note, I just purchased food scale at the start of the New Year and it has been an eye opener!
Let’s go!
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Like many have said, logging is real important. For 2 years of walking, without MFP, I lost 1-2lbs. per month. After 3 months of walking, with MFP, 4lbs per month1
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Ayesha0624 wrote: »I know it sounds silly and I understand everyone does what works best for them. I just started walking...briskly and jogging (daily)...and I am just curious to know if anyone else has had success with weight/fat loss from walking and running! Outside of that I just got serious last week with moving forward to a healthier version of me. I purchased a food scale and have been weighing and logging everything I eat and now I am incorporating daily exercise which just happens to be walking/jogging since its easy and free haha! I'm down 1lb!
Hi there, If you eat whole foods, not crap and stay in a deficit, you will lose weight. Add walking/running to it and you will lose even more and firm up and it will be good for your heart, body and mind.18 -
Great question, OP! I think the kind of exercise you're describing can trigger weight loss, in that you feel better, you've got a bigger caloric deficit, and can lead to better choices. But from my own personal experience, I walked briskly/jogged for YEARS without weight loss which was so frustrating for me. It wasn't until I began logging food and aiming for a deficit that I finally lost my 30 lbs. I've heard some people say that running suppresses their appetite. That has NEVER happened to me. My appetite goes through the roof with any exercise at all. I have to be even more vigilant with calorie counting when I'm working out. But, everyone's different, and I wish you luck and great success on your journey!!!2
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Here’s the key for me....I don’t eat WHILE I’m walking. So if I’m bored, anxious or anything other than truly hungry - I walk rather than eat. I’ve lost 99 pounds.16
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I'll add my numbers to help makes sense of this.
My maintenance daily calories would be at about 2800. I run daily and burn ~600 kcals/day, so my maintenance calories would be 3400/day.
As I am currently in a caloric deficit (-1000/day) my adjusted calories is at 2400/day.
Like a checkbook it doesn't matter how much you make if you spend more than you make. In weight management it doesn't matter how much you work out if you eat more calories than you burn.10 -
flippy1234 wrote: »Ayesha0624 wrote: »I know it sounds silly and I understand everyone does what works best for them. I just started walking...briskly and jogging (daily)...and I am just curious to know if anyone else has had success with weight/fat loss from walking and running! Outside of that I just got serious last week with moving forward to a healthier version of me. I purchased a food scale and have been weighing and logging everything I eat and now I am incorporating daily exercise which just happens to be walking/jogging since its easy and free haha! I'm down 1lb!
Hi there, If you eat whole foods, not crap and stay in a deficit, you will lose weight. Add walking/running to it and you will lose even more and firm up and it will be good for your heart, body and mind.
fify11 -
BruinsGal_91 wrote: »flippy1234 wrote: »Ayesha0624 wrote: »I know it sounds silly and I understand everyone does what works best for them. I just started walking...briskly and jogging (daily)...and I am just curious to know if anyone else has had success with weight/fat loss from walking and running! Outside of that I just got serious last week with moving forward to a healthier version of me. I purchased a food scale and have been weighing and logging everything I eat and now I am incorporating daily exercise which just happens to be walking/jogging since its easy and free haha! I'm down 1lb!
Hi there, If you eat whole foods, not crap and stay in a deficit, you will lose weight. Add walking/running to it and you will lose even more and firm up and it will be good for your heart, body and mind.
fify
What is fify?1 -
I am getting fit by walking and biking. I lose weight by counting calories. It's a good combo. I like non stressful workouts, and walking is perfect.3
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exercise for your health. eat at a calorie deficit for weight loss. quebot said. great combo.1
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You don't lose weight from exercise. You lose weight if your body is in a calorie deficit. One could exercise all they want, but if they eat what they burn, their weight won't change.
A.C.E. Certified Personal and Group Fitness Trainer
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Kickboxing Certified Instructor
Been in fitness for 30 years and have studied kinesiology and nutrition
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Calorie deficit to lose weight. That said, last year my co-worker and I would go on lunch walks for 30 minutes each day. This year we work through lunch so no more walks. Last year I easily maintained my weight without strictly counting calories. This year I have gained a bit and am struggling to lose it. I would love to be able to start our walks back up to help.2
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I don't run these days, but I pretty much walked and jogged when I was losing weight...I also made sure that my diet was on point because that's the most important part.
I mostly cycle these days and I'm in maintenance...I maintain because I eat maintenance calories.0 -
flippy1234 wrote: »BruinsGal_91 wrote: »flippy1234 wrote: »Ayesha0624 wrote: »I know it sounds silly and I understand everyone does what works best for them. I just started walking...briskly and jogging (daily)...and I am just curious to know if anyone else has had success with weight/fat loss from walking and running! Outside of that I just got serious last week with moving forward to a healthier version of me. I purchased a food scale and have been weighing and logging everything I eat and now I am incorporating daily exercise which just happens to be walking/jogging since its easy and free haha! I'm down 1lb!
Hi there, If you eat whole foods, not crap and stay in a deficit, you will lose weight. Add walking/running to it and you will lose even more and firm up and it will be good for your heart, body and mind.
fify
What is fify?
"Fixed it for you"3 -
Ayesha0624 wrote: »I know it sounds silly and I understand everyone does what works best for them. I just started walking...briskly and jogging (daily)...and I am just curious to know if anyone else has had success with weight/fat loss from walking and running! Outside of that I just got serious last week with moving forward to a healthier version of me. I purchased a food scale and have been weighing and logging everything I eat and now I am incorporating daily exercise which just happens to be walking/jogging since its easy and free haha! I'm down 1lb!
Well, I've found I lose weight best by walking. I have a tendency to overdo exercise whenever I attempt to lose weight, but have nearly no trouble when I do it by walking. However, that's because my appetite goes up when I overexercise. Can't out exercise your fork.
However, like everyone is saying it's more about diet.
So, to keep it short, you can lose weight from walking. You just need the right diet.4 -
flippy1234 wrote: »BruinsGal_91 wrote: »flippy1234 wrote: »Ayesha0624 wrote: »I know it sounds silly and I understand everyone does what works best for them. I just started walking...briskly and jogging (daily)...and I am just curious to know if anyone else has had success with weight/fat loss from walking and running! Outside of that I just got serious last week with moving forward to a healthier version of me. I purchased a food scale and have been weighing and logging everything I eat and now I am incorporating daily exercise which just happens to be walking/jogging since its easy and free haha! I'm down 1lb!
Hi there, If you eat whole foods, not crap and stay in a deficit, you will lose weight. Add walking/running to it and you will lose even more and firm up and it will be good for your heart, body and mind.
fify
What is fify?
"Fixed it for you"
Thank you...lol
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No because you lose weight by creating a calorie deficit.
You could walk and run everyday and still not lose a pound. It comes down to calories.
Calorie deficit- weight loss2 -
Let me throw in my two cents.....lift weights to lose weight. You definitely want to log your foods so you know how much you are eating. Walking/running will help you with a calorie deficit but doesn't do much for weight loss. Lifting weights will boost your metabolism, increase lean muscle (your fat burner), and will continue to burn more calories for another 24 hours. Cardio doesn't do any of that. You will see more weight loss with 30 minutes of weight training than you will 30 minutes of cardio. Food for thought.....you lose 5lbs of muscle every 10 years after the age of 25....which is why it is more difficult to lose weight as you age. I'm 55 years old and have been lifting weights for 35 years. I'm the same weight I was when I graduated college....7
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mcgirl2014 wrote: »Walking/running will help you with a calorie deficit but doesn't do much for weight loss.
Umm... a calorie deficit is how weight loss happens.
Doesn't matter how that calorie deficit is achieved.
Weight training is a wonderful thing, however.
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Yes, absolutely walking and running will help you lose weight. I burn about 100 calories per mile, so a 6-mile run (about an hour for me) burns about 600 calories. That's pretty good for an hour's worth of effort! However, as many have mentioned, you still need to ensure you have a calorie deficit at the end of the day if you're trying to lose weight, so over-eating to compensate for the run won't get you to your goal. But, even if you don't lose weight, you will greatly increase your cardiovascular fitness and that's worth it too.3
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mcgirl2014 wrote: »Let me throw in my two cents.....lift weights to lose weight. You definitely want to log your foods so you know how much you are eating. Walking/running will help you with a calorie deficit but doesn't do much for weight loss. Lifting weights will boost your metabolism, increase lean muscle (your fat burner), and will continue to burn more calories for another 24 hours. Cardio doesn't do any of that. You will see more weight loss with 30 minutes of weight training than you will 30 minutes of cardio. Food for thought.....you lose 5lbs of muscle every 10 years after the age of 25....which is why it is more difficult to lose weight as you age. I'm 55 years old and have been lifting weights for 35 years. I'm the same weight I was when I graduated college....
exercise will raise your tdee,it does boost metabolism but not as much or for as long as one may think. weight lifting increases muscle to a point,such as if you are a newbie to lifting (you will get gains for a short time,then it slacks off) same if you are coming back to lifting after being on a hiatus,extremely overweight or doing a recomp. Otherwise muscle is built in a surplus.
you also dont burn more calories, the afterburn effect is not as accurate as you may think,with most things its highly exaggerated . you burn extra calories for a little while after but not a full 24 hrs. I,as well as others am sure have tested that theory(I know I have). and 30 min of cardio actually burns more than 30min of weight lifting.
weight lifting does help you to retain lean mass when eating in a deficit. you dont even have to exercise to lose weight all you need is a deficit. but exercise is good for health and aesthetic reasons. walking can be enough for some to lose weight but they still need a deficit. if you are the same weight you were in college then you are maintaining your weight.3
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