This anxiety drives many people to subscribe to programs that render significant weight loss in very short amounts of time, but often this so-called “benefit” ultimately causes people to suffer greatly from various avoidable health problems. So how quickly can a person lose weight while staying healthy at the same time? It turns out that the answer is heavily dependent on the person in question.
Your Body’s Needs
How quickly you are able to lose weight in proportion to how that weight loss ultimately affects your overall health is an equation that is generally specific to how your body functions. Some people are just naturally bigger people with slower metabolisms while others seem to burn through calories like a wildfire and stay perpetually thin. Depending on your body type, the amount of weight you lose will directly affect your major bodily functions quite significantly. In order to lose weight while staying healthy, you will have to take these factors into consideration first.
Your Weight Loss Goals
It is important to note that your personal weight-loss goals play a huge role in how healthy you end up being after you lose a significant amount of weight. While it is the habit of some folks to really push the envelope, others tend to place the bar too low. In the end, both parties wind up surprised by the outcome of their weight loss and often find themselves confused and grossly unhealthy due to their unattainable or unrealistic goals. People who are easily able to lose weight while staying healthy are the ones who set up reasonable goals and move toward them with self-discipline until the finish line is reached.
Your Best Advice
As any personal care physician or professional will tell you that it is often impossible for some people to lose weight while staying healthy, especially if they do it all too quickly. Certain body types are just reluctant to lose weight, but that doesn’t mean desperate and unhealthy measures should be taken. In addition, those people who tend to lose weight quickly on their own should be cautious when using any sort of weight loss supplement or medication, as doing so can cause an unsafe drop in weight. Talk to your doctor for a more specific breakdown as far as what a healthy amount of weight loss would be for you.
Know the Safe Pace of Weight Loss
According to WebMD, it is important to remember that experts recommend losing weight gradually, as this is the safest way to go about getting in shape. Plus, it is also a good way to go about maintaining your weight loss results because it gives you the chance to establish healthier daily habits like eating right and exercising.
So, what is the rate of weight loss that experts recommend most? Well, it’s just 1 to 2 pounds per week!
Note: You can achieve this more easily by working closely with a doctor or nutritionist who can help guide you when it comes to what diet to follow, and what exercise routine to use to build strength and burn excess calories. You can also talk to a doctor about the best diet pills that work when it comes to supporting your efforts to slim down efficiently and safely.
The Problem with Losing Weight Too Quickly
What’s the problem with losing weight at a faster pace than just 1 to 2 pounds per week? Well, if you end up shedding too many pounds too quickly, you are more likely to lose water weight, rather than fat. Plus, you are likely also going to lose important muscle mass, which you definitely don’t want to do. And you might even increase the odds of other health problems, such as:
- Nutritional deficiencies that can lead to problems like hair loss, a weaker immune system, weak bones, and fatigue
- A slower metabolism
- Gallstones
The important thing is to establish a routine that is easy for you to follow over the long run. For this reason, fad diets that are really difficult to adhere to for longer than just a really short span of time are not recommended. The goal should be to lose weight slowly and steadily and keep it off too!
It All Starts with a Plan
Now that you have a better idea of the amount of weight that you should realistically expect to lose in order to slim down in a healthy manner, it is time to come up with a plan.
Once again, a doctor or nutritionist can be really helpful in this regard. Generally, though, your goal should be to cut back on your calorie intake, while ensuring your body is getting enough calories to function at its best. Control your portions, switch to lower calorie ingredients to prepare meals at home, and make sure you work out regularly to burn calories.
It’s also wise to drink plenty of water, keep a food journal to track what you eat and the number of calories you consume, and check in with your doctor if you’re really struggling and need additional support.