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Is it possible to lose 50 pounds in a week?
It is not possible to lose 50 pounds in a week. This is much more than the 4- 8 pounds experts recommend you lose in a week and is considered unsafe for most people.
It takes a calorie deficit of 3500 to lose a pound of fat. You need a higher calorie deficit of 175,000 to lose 50 pounds. In a week, this comes down to a daily calorie deficit of 25,000. An impossible number that cannot be achieved even with diet and exercise.
We know that you need to eat less to start losing weight. Most experts recommend a moderate calorie reduction of 500 – 1000. It is enough to jumpstart weight loss without leaving you feeling deprived. However, as the goal is to lose 50 pounds in a week, this means you still have an extra 24,000 calories to burn with exercise.
While exercise can help you burn calories, you need to do it for the right duration and intensity. A 185-pound person, for example, burns approximately 693-calories in 30 minutes, bicycling at a speed of 20-MPH. This person would have to spend at least 17-hours exercising to burn enough calories.
An impossible task that cannot be achieved. Not only due to the time commitment, but also the intensity required.
With these reasons in mind, it is clear why it’s impossible to lose 50 pounds in 2 months. Also, these extreme measures cannot be sustained long-term. As a result, you’re likely to gain all the weight back.
Safe and healthy weight loss.
Weight loss occurs when you consume fewer calories than your body needs. It creates a calorie deficit forcing the body to tap into stored fats. It tasks a calorie deficit of 3500 to lose a pound of fat. Most people can achieve this with diet, exercise, or both.
To achieve this with diet, you need to eat less. Most experts recommend a moderate calorie reduction of 500 – 1000. This way, you still have plenty of calories left to survive on.
You don’t have to change all aspects of your diet to achieve this either. 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. Also, consider portion control to help you reduce your calories.
Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fiber, protein, and complex carbs to lose 50 pounds safely. These foods are great for weight loss as they keep you full for longer.
Exercise to boost weight loss.
Healthy adults should spend at least 150 – 300 minutes exercising weekly. It is not only good for your health but also for weight loss.
As you get started, focus on workouts you enjoy doing. You’re more likely to be consistent and exercise often this way. If you hate running, consider rowing, walking, or cycling.
Alternate between cardio and weight training for best results. Cardio exercises such as; jumping rope, bicycling, running, and rowing help to burn calories fast. Weight training exercises such as; squats, deadlifts, planks, and lunges help build more muscle.
How long does it take to lose 50 pounds?
On average, expect to lose 50 pounds in 6 1/2 to 13 months. It is a safe amount of time to lose this weight for most people. It’s also what experts recommend for healthy weight loss.
With a daily calorie deficit of 500, expect to lose 50 pounds in 6.5 months. Double the effort to a daily calorie deficit of 1000 to lose 50 pounds in 13 months.
However, keep in mind that these numbers can vary from person to person. Several other factors affect how quickly you lose weight. These include factors such as; weight, age, gender, and activity level.
Due to these factors, some people might lose 50 pounds much quicker or take longer.
Is it possible to lose 50 pounds in a week? Conclusion
Losing 50 pounds in a week is an impossible goal. It is much more than what experts recommend you lose in a week and is considered unsafe for most people.