what do you think the maximum weight loss should be over a month?

[mcmuffin]

[Prin]

Between 8-10lbs as a maximum for sustainable weight loss fad diets can produce more but it's likely to go back on

[hm27rlj]

Im aiming for 7lbs off which I think is a good loss because I need lose over a 100 lbs, I appreciate that it wont always be that much.xxx

[albionjen]

It depends a bit on how much you have to lose. The NHS recommends losing no more than 2lb per week on average. But people with a lot to lose might see a quicker drop, particularly in the beginning. If you only have a little bit to lose and/or have been working at losing weight for quite a few months, then 0.5lb to 1lb per week is more realistic.

For me initially I lost about 8lb per month, but I was 4 stone overweight. Now I'm only about 4-5lb overweight and the last couple of months I've only lost about 2-3lb. I'm not really in a massive hurry to lose the last few pounds. As long as I keep making progress I'll be happy.

Just remember it is not a race! What matters is making it to your target weight while staying healthy, both physically and mentally. Even 1lb per week = 52 lb in a year (almost 4 stone).

[Divided]

The amount you lose in the first two weeks of any weight loss plan is not representative of the weight you will lose every week as those who are very overweight quite often lose water and some weight in inflammation. After that, two pounds is healthy, but I wouldn't focus on it. I'm not weighing myself at all. I know what my start weight was and next time I'm at the doctors I'll get them to weigh me to check I'm going in the right direction. Micromanaging your diet so you watch every pound is time consuming and unfair to yourself as weight fluctuates up and down the odd pound for more reasons than just calorie consumption.

[mcmuffin]

i want to lose 20 lbs, how long do you think that will take, i really want to lose it in five months?

[albionjen in reply to mcmuffin]

20lbs in 5 months would be a rate of about 1lb per week, which should be achievable and is a sensible rate of weight loss for most people.

However, I would still say that you would be better not to get to stressed about your deadline. It can help motivate you to keep sticking to your lifestyle changes but remember that even after hitting the target weight loss you will need to keep on track or the weight will come back on!

If you make a few changes to your lifestyle with the aim of to eating fewer calories and getting more exercise you should start seeing results. The NHS website has loads of information and a lot of people here start by following the 12 week plan that you can download.

Good luck and get going