Newbie here. Is this too fast?

[Don_Pedro]

Hi All,

I have been carrying around quite a lot of excess weight for quite a while now. I am technically classed as obese by BMI standards with BMI of around 31. I reckon I have around 25kg to lose. Just recently I turned 40 and with the new year starting, I decided to finally do something about it. I had a few previous attempts which were mildly successful - managing to lose some 3-4kg but then just putting it back on within a few months. This time I am deadly serious. Decided to do Dry January to start with as a lot of my calories come from beer and wine. I did not exercise for ages but started doing cross-trainer and a bit of running outside (well - more like walking as running is still quite hard). Since I am deadly serious, I entered a half-marathon race in around 6 months time and am planning on crossing the finish line with dignity! I am on a calorie restricted diet of around 1600-1800 for the last two weeks now. Also water regime - at least 2-3 litres daily.

The first week, I lost 1.5kg of weight. Got a bit spooked - maybe it is too quick.

The second week is about to end now and again I have lost over a kilo of weight. I am down from 81 to 78 now in under two weeks doing around 30 minutes exercise 4-5 times a week

My concern is. Is this too fast and too much? is this safe? I realise that as I progress, loosing weight is more difficult. If the rate continues, I will be in my target weight of 60 in just 6 months! Feels to good to be true.

[PippiRuns 6kg Restart Jan 2025]

Congratulations on doing this for yourself, and WOW, you are doing a brilliant job. No need to worry about losing that amount of weight in the first weeks. Most people have a flying start.

I would suggest, though, that you consult the NHS BMI calculator which will also give you a calorie range to stay within. I doubt that a man your size with be able to sustain a calorie intake that low for six months, because you will inevitably feel hungry a lot and that makes it more likely that you give in to temptations.

I would suggest you give the NHS couch to 5k programme a try. It is fantastic. It made me fall in love with running and here I am now - happy, healthy and better looking than ever.

Good luck!

[Don_Pedro in reply to PippiRuns]

Great, thanks for the tip. Will defo have a look at the 5k programme. See you around!

[PippiRuns 6kg Restart Jan 2025 in reply to Don_Pedro]

About the half marathon in six months time. I couldn't have reached that running distance in 6 months but you are a bit younger than me, you are male, your starting level is perhaps higher than mine... I would say go for it, but do listen to your body! Because if you overdo it, you will end up on the injury couch, and that is a frustrating place to be. Keep posting. I would love to follow your progress!

I'm doing my first half marathon in March, exactly a year after I started running and losing weight.

[Don_Pedro in reply to PippiRuns]

Thanks a lot for your support. I think running will be key to my weight loss. I am doing combination of power walking and running now, able to run for a bit longer every time I do it. I really feel much more energetic now. I double checked the date - my half marathon is beginning of September so I have 7.5months to prepare. I do not expect a record time but will be aiming for 3 hours mark. Completing the race will be my biggest objective though. I have started the couch to 5k programme first and then take it from there. Will post updates here

Running gets easier the lighter you get! I am running now carrying my 20kg excess weight. Hopefully this will not the case come September

Congratulations on your first 10k race! well done. I am sure you will smash the half marathon in March.

May I ask how much weight you lost since starting running? Do you still need to loose more or are you done?

All the best,

[PippiRuns 6kg Restart Jan 2025 in reply to Don_Pedro]

I've lost 14 kg and am now in the middle if my healthy BMI and not dieting anymore, just making sure the weight does not creep back on.

Losing weight has had a massive impact on my running ability. And improving my fitness level has improved my ability to lose weight.

September is 8 months away and that will make a big difference. I think you will smash it too 🏃💪

[Hidden]

Hi Don_Pedro and welcome to the forum.

Check out the Welcomes Newbies post in the pinned posts section (to the right of your screen on a pc, bottom on a mobile) - this contains some great info for starting out and navigating your way around the site.

It's important you eat the right amount of calories for you weight and height. Check out your allowance on the NHS BMI calculator as everybody's allowance is very individual.

nhs.uk/Tools/Pages/Healthyw...

Take all of your before measurements and maybe a photo.

We run weigh-ins every day except Sunday and consider joining some of our challenges as they are fun and motivating.

Best of luck and I look forward to seeing you around ☘

[Don_Pedro in reply to Hidden]

Thanks a lot!

[JaySeeSkinny]

I was also going to suggest the c25k programme if you're interested in running. It got many of us running and helps with weight loss and mood. Good luck with your half-marathon - that is ambitious! Don't worry about rapid weight loss at the beginning, you'll slow down soon enough! And a target of 60 kg also seems very ambitious.

But you've had a great start, good luck with your journey👍

[Don_Pedro in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Thanks a lot, I dreaded running for years but really got into it now and am starting to enjoy it! It feels great to see that you can go a bit faster and a bit further every time you go for a run.

[JiminyCricket 7lbs]

Wow what a fantastic start!! I think it's perfectly normal to have very good losses initially and you are right that it will probably slow down. You haven't lost TOO much each week though, I wouldn't be worried. That great start will help you sustain momentum in the weeks to come. Good luck

[Don_Pedro in reply to JiminyCricket]

Thanks a lot!

[Claz]

hi. whenever my husband joins me on a diet the weight always drops off him. He started the 16:8 diet last week and has already lost 10lbs. (he's 6ft 5").. So i dont know if it's a man thing that you lose quicker but I wouldn't worry about the rate your losing it for now but would check your calories as others have said as it might be a bit too low for you to sustain for a long time and especially with the exercise as well that you are doing.

Good luck x

[Don_Pedro in reply to Claz]

Thank you!

[happyhealthyjane]

You should be proud of yourself! I personally think your weekly weight loss rate is on the safe side (nhs 12 weeks plan's target is 0.5 to 1 kilo a week) due to your activity level and calories intake level. As you said yourself, as you progress, weight loss rate might slow down.

[Jayney61]

well done wish I had your commitment, keep the good work up

[Don_Pedro in reply to Jayney61]

thanks a lot!

[EchoS1]

Well done on losing so much so quickly, but it is unlikely to keep that pattern. I have always been told the first week loss, if more than expected, is probably water. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.