Is it possible to lose 7 pounds in a week?
While it is possible to lose 7 pounds in a week, this type of rapid weight loss is not recommended for most people.
Those with high body weight can lose weight fast and as much as one pound a day as they burn more calories. However, this is an unrealistic goal, for the average person.
Contrary to what many lose weight quick fad diets might have you believe, the rules of weight loss stay the same. That is, you need a deficit of 3500 calories to lose a pound. Losing 7 pounds in a week means maintaining this deficit daily. You would need to reduce your calories severely to achieve this goal. Most experts recommend adults consume at least 2000 calories to maintain their weight depending on factors such as; height, weight, and activity level.
A severe reduction in daily calories leaves you with very little to survive and feels almost like starving. Another reason this type of rapid weight loss is discouraged is you might not be able to get in all the required nutrients, thus risking your health.
Also, you would need to spend prolonged periods exercising to burn enough calories to lose 7 pounds in a week. Remember, even with the best cardio workouts, you only burn a moderate amount of calories in a 30-minute session. As a result, you would need to spend at least 3-hours exercising intensely to lose 7 pounds in a week. The problem is that the average person cannot sustain intense workouts for prolonged periods. Health experts advise against extreme exercising due to the possible negative effects on your health.
Lastly, rapid weight loss cannot be maintained long-term, and you’re likely to gain all the weight back.
How much weight can you safely lose in a week?
1- 2 pounds is a more realistic goal to have in mind for weight loss in a week. Besides, this is also the rate at which most experts recommend that you lose weight safely.
This rate allows you a moderate calorie reduction yet leaves you with enough to survive on without feeling deprived. While this might not give you quick results, it is sustainable long-term. Besides, the goal of weight loss shouldn’t be how fast you can lose weight, but the best way to lose weight and keep it off for good.
With this safe weight loss goal in mind, you don’t have to resort to any extreme options. A moderate calorie reduction of 500 – 1000 calories is enough to jumpstart the weight loss process. Also, you don’t have to exercise for long hours daily. 150 – 300 minutes spent weekly is enough time for weight loss.
Is it possible to lose 7 pounds in a week? Final thoughts
While it is possible to lose 7 pounds in a week, it is not recommended and is unsafe for most people.
This type of rapid weight loss cannot be sustained long-term, and you’re likely to gain all the weight back. You would need to severely restrict your calories, and exercise for long hours to achieve this goal. Extreme measures that can put your health at risk.
A safer goal is to lose 1 – 2 pounds in a week. This is the safe rate at which most experts recommend that you aim to lose weight.
