can you lose 24 pounds in 2 weeks

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Can you lose 24 pounds in 2 weeks?

It is not possible to lose 24 pounds in 2 weeks. This is much more than the 2 – 4 pounds most experts recommend you lose in 2 weeks and is considered unsafe.

It takes a calorie deficit of 3,500 to lose a pound of fat. You need a higher calorie deficit of 84,000 to lose 24 pounds. In 2 weeks, this comes down to a daily calorie deficit of 6000. An impossible and unrealistic number for most people.

Most experts recommend a moderate calorie reduction of at least 500 for weight loss. Although this is enough to help you lose some weight, it is not enough to lose 24 pounds in 2 weeks. You still have an extra 5,500 calories to burn with exercise.

Exercising can help you burn extra calories. However, it has to be long enough and at the correct intensity can help you burn enough calories to lose weight. A 185-pound person, for example, burns approximately 294 calories in 30 minutes on a stationary rower.

This person would have to maintain this workout for at least 11 hours to burn enough calories to lose 24 pounds in 2 weeks. An unrealistic expectation for most people. Not only due to the intensity required but also the time commitment. Also, this is much more than what experts recommend you spend exercising weekly.

While it is possible for those who weigh more to lose weight much faster, it is unlikely that this will result in a 24-pound weight loss in 2 weeks.

How long will it take to lose 24 pounds?

Generally, it takes about 3 – 6 months to lose 24 pounds. It is a safe amount of time for most people to lose 24 pounds. It’s also in line with the CDC recommendation of losing about 1 – 2 pounds a week for healthy weight loss.

With a daily calorie deficit of 500, expect to lose 24 pounds in 6 months. Double it to a daily calorie deficit of 1000 to lose 24 pounds in 3 months.

Create a calorie deficit to lose 24 pounds. It will force your body to tap into stored fat, thus jumpstarting weight loss. You can chive this by eating fewer calories or exercising more often.

You don’t have to change all aspects of your diet. Start with small but meaningful changes such as; cutting out empty calories from your diet. These include foods such as; cookies, cakes, pastries, ice cream, donuts, sugary drinks, ultra-processed dry snacks, fried foods, and alcohol.

Avoid these foods as they’re full of added sugar and other additives that increase your appetite. Focus instead on eating more nutrient-dense vegetables, complex carbs, protein, or fiber.

You can also consider portion control to help you eat less. Use your plate as a serving guide. Fill half the plate with veggies before adding protein or carbs. Or better yet, serve your food on smaller plates or bowls.

How much weight can you realistically lose in 2 weeks?

Generally, expect to lose 2 – 4 pounds in 2 weeks. It is a healthy amount of weight for most people to lose in 2 weeks.

With a daily calorie deficit of 500, expect to lose 2 pounds in 2 weeks. Double the effort to a calorie deficit of 1000 to lose 4 pounds in 2 weeks.

While it is possible to lose more weight in 2 weeks, it is not recommended. You’d have to resort to unhealthy ensures such as; exercising too long or severely restricting your calories to lose more weight. Besides, did you know that allowing yourself enough time to lose weight increases the likelihood of keeping it off for good?