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Is it possible to lose 50 pounds in 2 weeks?
It is not possible to lose 50 pounds in 2 weeks. It is much more than the 2- 4 pounds most experts recommend you lose in 2 weeks and is considered unsafe for most people.
It takes a calorie deficit of 3500 to lose a pound of fat. You need a higher calories deficit of 125,000 to lose 50 pounds. In 2 weeks, this comes down to a daily calorie deficit of 8,929. An impossible number that cannot be achieved with diet, exercise, or both.
We know that you need to eat less to lose weight. Most experts recommend a moderate calorie reduction of 500 – 1000. However, this means, to lose 50 pounds in 2 weeks, you have an extra 7,929 calories to burn with exercise.
While exercise can help you burn calories, you have to do it for the right duration and intensity. A 185-pound person, for example, burns approximately 503 calories in 30 minutes, jumping rope fast.
This person would have to spend at least 8 hours exercising daily to burn enough calories to lose 50 pounds in 2 weeks. An extreme measure that is not recommended for most people.Not only due to the time commitment but also due to the intensity.
A safer and more realistic timeframe to have in mind when trying to lose 50 pounds is in 6.5 months to 13 months.
Safe and healthy weight loss.
Weight loss occurs when you consume less than the body needs. It creates a caloric deficit forcing the body to tap into stored fat. It takes a calorie deficit of 3500 to lose a pound of fat. You can achieve this with diet, exercise, or both.
Start by eating less to lose 50 pounds or more. Most experts recommend a moderate calorie reduction of 500 – 1000. This way, you still have plenty of calories to survive on.
You don’t have to change all aspects of your diet. Start with small changes such as cutting out junk food and other empty calories. These foods are bad for weight loss as they’re high in calories with little nutritional benefit.
Focus instead on eating more nutrient-dense foods such as; vegetables, fiber, protein, and complex carbs. These foods are better for weight loss as they keep you full for longer.
Next, add exercise to your weekly routine to burn more calories. It is recommended that healthy adults spend at least 150 – 300 minutes exercising weekly.
Alternate between cardio and weight training for best results. Cardio exercises such as swimming, rowing, bicycling, and running help burn calories fast. Weight training exercises such as; squats, deadlifts, planks, and lunges help build muscle.
Focus on workouts you enjoy doing. You’re more likely to be consistent and exercise often this way. If you hate exercising alone, consider team sports such as swimming, volleyball, football. Do these, and you will lose 50 pounds safely.
How much weight can you 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. It’s also in line with the CDC (center for disease control and prevention) guidelines for healthy weight loss.
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.
However, keep in mind that these numbers can vary from person to person. Several factors affect how quickly you lose weight. These include factors such as; activity level, age, gender, weight, and height.
A person who weighs over 250-pounds will not lose weight at the same rate as someone who weighs 125-pounds. By losing 1% of their total body weight, the heavier person might lose more weight in two weeks.
Is it possible to lose 50 pounds in 2 weeks? Conclusion
Losing 50 pounds in 2 weeks is an impossible and unrealistic goal. It is much more than what experts recommend you lose in 2 weeks and is considered unsafe.