Does c25k help with weight loss?

[jhwin6]

I'm on week 4 now and haven't lost a single pound. I'm not on a strict diet but have cut out chocolate, cake, crisps etc and allow myself a treat once a week. I did zero excercise before I started running so I am dissapointed I've seen no weight loss at all 🙁

[secan Graduate]

You will obtain the best and quickest results if you couple running with a well balanced healthy diet.

Anyway running alone is better than nothing at all but you should focus on your fitness and body shape rather than on weight loss. When you begin running you lose fat but you also build up muscles therefore you will not notice any relevant weight loss... nonetheless your clothes will become looser and looser (whoever said that running is cheap, didn't consider the cost of entirely renewing your wardrobe ).

[jt24 Graduate]

I don't think it helps with losing weight as such- you'll need to follow a healthy eating plan for that. You need to either eat 3500 calories less per week than your body needs or burn-off 3500 calories through exercise to lose 1lb of fat. That's quite a lot and certainly in the earlier weeks you probably won't be running long or hard enough to match that.

What I have found is that I'm not having to diet quite so rigidly. Some of that comes from the fact that I don't want to jeopardise my running progress and am more willing to consider what's going down the chute!

It undoubtedly re-shapes you too. I've only lost an extra 4-5lbs since starting c25k (lost over 3 stone beforehand) but loads of folk are saying 'ooh, look at you'. It's still not a pretty sight but it is definitely 'smoother' than before!

Main thing- don't give up! The general health benefits are more important than weight loss xx 

[sparky66 Graduate]

Yes. Well done on a begining.. any excercise combined with less fat and sugar intake will surley see great results  keep up the hard work.. and post again 4 weeks from now..if you keep to your plan.. bet you will have lost at least 6lbs?

[sparky66 Graduate]

Secan.. I have had to control my pulse rate on many occasions..now I have discovered aisles and aisles and shops and shops full of shiney New run gear.. I no longer look for a handbag??? What has happened? ..lol. BEEP BEEP   how's your plan going you graduate you?

[secan Graduate in reply to sparky66]

I keep running and I'm trying to find the gut to run my first parkrun on Easter...

Nothing particularly exciting to write about but still pretty satisfying to do.

[vivster Graduate]

You're not burning enough calories for it to make a difference to your weight if that's all you're doing. I did the 20 minute run on Sunday and it only used up a Snickers bar worth of calories. But it is a bonus and it will change your shape. I've lost almost 2 stone since mid Jan, which I put down to calorie restriction (I've been doing 5:2), but I think the running has definitely helped me along and I'm certainly getting smaller and firmer.

[JoolieB1 Graduate]

A good question, I've graduated and since I started running, hardly lost a thing.  Lost weight before by calorie counting but totally static on weight loss which is frustrating.  Feel fitter and healthier but same weight 🙁

[misswobble Graduate]

It does and it will, but four weeks in is not very long is it!  You have to have patience, and the work you put in will be reflected at the scales, but it can be a long haul, depending on how much you have to lose.  Those who lose weight fast are less likely to be able to sustain it.  

Running should help you lose weight but only if you watch what you eat. You're not running far enough on C25k to make inroads into your weight loss just by running alone.  A healthy diet and regular exercise is what it's about. The mantra of "eat less, move more" holds true, and if  you stick to these things then you will see the weight come off

If you ditch all the unhealthy foods that have been causing you to gain weight, and if you keep up with regular exercise, then the weight is bound to come off. It can't not.

  

[GoogleMe Graduate]

C25K does help people lose weight... but perhaps not in the way that you think it does. 

I am not sure that the people who experience a lot of or even any weight loss when they first start taking serious measures are the ones who are most able to stick with it for the long haul... because they don't make the switch to new eating and activity habits for their own sake, it is still about the results, so they lose heart without short term rewards. Doing C25K gives you rewards all the way, every run you complete successfully, and then all the goals you set yourself afterwards and is, for many of us enjoyable in itself (eventually!) Plus it may address any reasons why you were eating more than you need - boredom, stress.

[MarkyD Graduate]

There are more calories in a medium-sized Latte than you burn in each of the first few weeks of C25K. So expect to be more toned, but not loos any/much weight. You'll need a calorie-counting app like MyFitnessPal if you want to lose much weight. 

[gemcastopaz Graduate]

Hi I am on week 10 and haven't lost weight but my body is much more toned and firm. My legs have been transformed. I had lost over 5 stone before embarking on C25k and had loose skin which looked horrid and I thought they'd never change but they have. Yay. I think it's harder to lose weight running as I found I need extra food for fuel. I am trying now to eat less on my run day off and eat a little more on run day. I certainly am not putting weight on which is great. Good luck with running and weight loss. It's got to better than being on tge couch. 😀

[boptillyoudrop49 Graduate]

When you begin to exercise, your metabolism slows as your body is trying to hold onto fat reserves in case of a new famine. It does the same when you extreme diet for a longer period. The diet just stops working. You need to reduce your calorie intake at the same time as doing your running. In combination you will lose fat. Even without dieting, your body shape will change but perhaps not much in the first 9 weeks. He leg muscles are strengthening which will change the appearance of your legs. How noticable the changes are depends on how much fat you had on your legs to start with.Maybe take a photo of your legs now and at the end of the programme and see the difference. More obvious change will come when you're doing longer runs 3 x week. Scales can be deceptive. Your body shape can change quite a bit despite your scales relentlessly telling you no weight has been lost. It will make a difference but give it time.

[vickyb5277]

I asked the exact same thing a few weeks ago. I'm on W5R2 tonight & I have stayed exactly the same on the scales BUT I have lost 3 inch from my waist & 2 inch from my fattest bit which of course is my tummy so I am definitely toning up. I can see myself that my inner knees aren't as flabby where my fat used to bulge & is getting quite firm & my Fiancé can see it too. I've started calorie counting this week as I need some lbs off but I'm very happy that I've not gained anything considering I have been eating & drinking basically what I want for the last few weeks due to coming off Weight Watchers, oops lol.

Stick at it it's all good stuff

Good luck x

[beverleyg Graduate in reply to vickyb5277]

That's brilliant isn't it because of course weight loss isn't the point, getting a smaller waist and bum, more muscle and less fat and best of all improved health is the point, not what the scales say. Well done you. 

[vickyb5277 in reply to beverleyg]

Absolutely!!! x

[Littlesos]

I've completed all nine weeks and I didn't lose a single pound or an inch.  I am very overweight and was gutted.  Having never done exercise before I thought at least doing something would make a difference, but according to the scales I needn't have bothered.  On the plus side though I can walk up to my third floor office without feeling like I'm going to die at the top!  So I can definitely say you are getting fitter.

[Cathbc01]

Hi, I think it depends on how overweight you are in the first place. I'm on week 9 and have lost a stone since Christmas. I have been following the slimming world plan as well and the weight has gradually come off, however I have noticed a huge difference in the fit of my clothes especially around my 'bum' and thighs!!! You have made a great start and as other people have said you will begin see results, keep going!!