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Is it possible to lose 55 pounds in a week?
It is not possible to lose 55 pounds in a week. This is much more than what experts recommend you lose in a week and is considered unsafe for most people.
It takes a calorie deficit of 3,500 to lose a pound of fat. You need a higher calorie deficit of 192,500 to lose 55 pounds. In a week, this comes down to a daily calorie deficit of 27,500. An unrealistic goal that cannot be achieved with diet or exercise.
Most experts recommend a moderate calorie reduction of 500 – 1000 to lose weight. While a calorie reduction of 1000 can help you lose weight, it is not enough to lose 55 pounds in a week. You still have an extra 26,500 calories to burn with exercise.
Exercise can help you burn calories. However, it has to be at the right intensity and duration. A 185-pound person, for example, burns approximately 503 calories in 30 minutes, jumping rope. This person would have to exercise for at least 26.5 hours to burn enough calories to lose 55 pounds in a week.
An impossible task that cannot be achieved. Not only due to the intensity required but also the unrealistic time commitment.
How long does it take to lose 55 pounds?
On average, it takes 7 – 14 months to lose 55 pounds. It is a safe amount of time for most people to lose 55 pounds. It’s also in line with what the CDC (center for disease control and prevention) recommends for healthy weight loss.
With a daily calorie deficit of 500, expect to lose 55 pounds in 14 months. Double it to a daily calorie deficit of 1000 to lose 55 pounds in 7 months.
However, keep in mind that these can vary from person to person. Several other factors affect how quickly you lose weight. These include factors such as; weight, gender, age, height, and activity levels. Due to these differences, some people might lose 55 pounds much faster or rake longer.
Understanding Safe weight loss.
Weight loss occurs when we consume fewer calories than the body needs. It results in a calorie deficit forcing the body to tap into stored fats. It takes a calorie deficit of 3,500 to lose a pound of fat.
Most experts recommend you lose about 1 – 2 pounds a week. You can achieve this with diet, exercise, or both.
Eat less to lose 55 pounds. 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 reduce your calories. Make small but meaningful 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, they’re high in sugars and other additives that only increase your appetite and cravings.
You can also consider portion control to help you reduce your calories. Use simple tips such as using your plate as a guide to reduce how much food you eat. Fill half your plate with vegetables before adding protein or carbs to avoid overeating.
Once you have reduced your calories, focus on eating more nutrient-dense foods. These include foods such as; vegetables, complex carbs, protein, and fiber. These foods are great for weight loss as they keep you full for longer.
Stay active to burn more calories.
Exercising can help you burn more calories to lose 55 pounds faster.
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 help burn calories, while weight training helps you build more muscle.
Focus on workouts you enjoy doing. You’re more likely to be consistent this way.
Is it possible to lose 55 pounds in a week?
No, it is not possible to lose 55 pounds in a week. It is much more than the 1 – 2 pounds experts recommend you lose in a week and is considered unsafe.