weight loss

How long should it take to lose 50 pounds

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How long should it take to lose 50 pounds?

It takes anywhere between 6 months to a year to lose 50 pounds on average. This is the rate that experts recommend you lose weight no matter the timeframe, that is, 1 – 2 pounds a week.

 

While 6 months to a year might sound like a long time, it is not for weight loss. Contrary to what many lose-weight-quick fad diets might have you believing, losing weight takes time. Experts recommend a slow and steady approach. This allows you ample time to incorporate changes into your lifestyle to sustain the weight loss long-term.

 

Remember, no matter what your goal might be. Be it to lose 50 pounds, 30 pounds, or 10 pounds, The principles of weight loss remember the same. That is, you need a calorie deficit to jumpstart the weight loss process.

 

Most experts recommend a moderate reduction of 500 – 1000 calories per week. It is for this reason that losing 50pounds in 6 months or a year is realistic and doable.

 

At a weight loss of one pound a week, you will lose 50 pounds weight in a little less than a year. With a weight loss of two pounds a week, you will lose 50 pounds in a little over six months.

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Can you lose 50 pounds in 6 months?

Yes, you can lose 50 pounds in 6 months. Not only is this a realistic timeframe to lose this amount of weight but it’s also in line with what experts recommend. A healthy weight loss rate of 1 – 2 pounds a week.

 

While 6-months might seem like a long time, for someone trying to lose 50 pounds, it’s just the right amount of time to change your body. Remember, no matter your timeframe, the principles of weight loss remain the same. That is;

  • You need a calorie reduction of 3500, calories to lose 1 pound. That means, a calorie reduction of 175,000 pounds to lose 50 pounds. In 6 months, this comes off to 1000 calories daily. A doable goal with the right combination of diet and exercise.
  • Start off with your diet and reduce your daily calories by 500 calories daily. As adults need to eat at least 2000 – 2500 calories daily to maintain their weight. A moderate calorie reduction of 500 leaves just enough calories at 15000 – 2000. This way, you can lose weight without feeling deprived.
  • Next, burn off extra calories with exercise. A combination of cardio and weight training is best for weight loss. While cardio burns calories fast, weight training is a great way to boost your metabolism. It is recommended that you spend at least 150 – 300 minutes exercising weekly. The best way to ensure you reach this goal is to choose workouts that you actually love doing. If you hate running, then walk. If you hate exercising indoors, then do it outdoors.

Do these, and you will lose 50 pounds in 6 months.

female trying to lose weight

Can you lose 50 pounds in 3 months?

Losing 50 pounds in 3 months is an unrealistic goal that cannot be achieved safely. It is not possible as you would need to lose 4 pounds a week, double the recommended rate for healthy weight loss.

 

A more realistic time frame to lose 50 pounds is six months or a little less than a year. In 3 months, expect to lose between 12 pounds to 24 pounds in that timeframe. This is a more realistic time frame in line with what most experts recommend.

 

Losing 50 pounds is an ambitious goal that will improve your health and change your approach. However, don’t fall into the trap of quick weight loss. It’s much easier and safer to do it slow and easy.

 

Remember, the rules of weight loss remain the same no matter the timeframe. That is, it takes a reduction of 3500 calories to lose 1 pound. You would need a deficit of about 175,000 calories to lose 50 pounds.

 

This would mean a drastic reduction of 1900 calories daily to achieve your goal in 3 months? Why risk your health with such drastic measures when you can do it with a moderate calorie reduction of 500 – 1000 calories and still lose 50 pounds?

weight loss

How long should it take to lose 50 pounds? Final thoughts

It takes anywhere between 6 months to a year to lose 50 pounds. This is the rate at which experts recommend that you lose weight. A slow and steady approach of 1 – 2 pounds every week. However, keep in mind that this might vary from person to person as to how fast you lose weight is influenced by factors such as; age, height, gender, weight, and lifestyle.