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Is it possible to lose 200 pounds in 6 months?
It is not possible to lose 200 pounds in 6 months. This is much more than the 24 – 48 pounds most experts recommend you lose in 6 months and is considered unsafe.
It takes a calorie defect of 3500 to lose a pound of fat. You need a higher calorie deficit of 700,000 to lose 200 pounds. In 6 months, this comes down to a daily calorie deficit of 3,889. This is an impossible and unrealistic calorie deficit for most people.
You have to eat less to lose 200 pounds. However, most experts recommend reducing your calories by at least 500. Although this is enough to jumpstart weight loss, it is not enough to lose 200 pounds in 6 months. You still have an extra 3,389 calories to burn with exercise.
Exercises can help you burn calories. However, it has to be done for long enough and at the right intensity to burn enough calories. A 185-pound person, for example, burns approximately 420-calories in 30 minutes, swimming vigorously.
This person would have to maintain this intensity for at least 4 hours to burn enough calories to lose 200 pounds in 6 months. An unrealistic goal for most people. Not only due to the intensity required but also the time commitment.
How long does it take to lose 200 pounds?
On average, it takes 2 – 4 years to lose 200 pounds. It is a safe amount of time to lose 200 pounds for most people. It’s also in line with what most experts and the CDC (center for disease control and prevention) recommend for healthy weight loss.
With a daily calorie deficit of 500, expect to lose 200 pounds in 50 months, about 4-years. Double it to a daily calorie deficit of 1000 to lose 200 pounds in 25 months, about 2-years.
However, keep in mind that these numbers can vary from person to person. Several other factors also influence how fast you lose weight. These include factors such as; weight, age, gender, height, and lifestyle.
Due to these differences, some people might lose 200 pounds much faster or take longer. We know that men tend to lose weight faster than women as they have more lean muscle. In the same way, a person who stays active and exercises daily will not lose 200 pounds as another with a sedentary lifestyle.
While it is possible to lose 200 pounds much faster, it is not recommended. It’s only fair that you allow yourself enough time to lose this weight. It’s not only good for your health but also increases the likelihood that you keep it off for good.
How much weight can you lose in 6 months?
On average, expect to lose 24 – 48 pounds in 6 months. It is a realistic weight loss goal that’s in line with what most experts recommend.
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 48 pounds in 6 months.
You don’t have to change all aspects of your diet to lose weight in 6 months. Start with small changes such as cutting out junk food and other empty calories to reduce your daily calories. You can also consider portion control to help you eat less.
Most experts recommend reducing your calories by at least 500 to jumpstart weight loss. Eat more nutrient-dense vegetables, protein, fiber, and complex carbs to make up for the reduced calories.
Add in exercise to burn more calories. It is recommended that healthy adults spend at least 150 – 300 minutes exercising weekly. It is not only good for your health but also for weight loss.
Alternate between cardio and weight training exercises for best results. Do these, and you will lose weight in 6 months.
Is it possible to lose 200 pounds in 6 months? Conclusion
Losing 200 pounds in 6 months is an unrealistic goal. It is much more than what experts recommend you lose in 6 months and is considered unsafe for most people.
