Though many people wish to know how long it takes to lose weight, the response is never as straightforward as a one-size-fits-all figure.
Variations in metabolism, food, activity, and even stress level determine weight reduction. What then is the reasonable schedule for losing those extra weight?
Setting Realistic Expectations
Crash diets frequently cause disappointment even if they offer quick results. Most professionals, like fitness instructor Jenna Michaels, concur that reducing one to two pounds a week is a reasonable, long-term objective.
“Quick fixes may help you lose water weight or muscle mass; but, real fat loss takes time and consistency,” she says.
Factors That Affect Weight Loss
1. Starting Weight: Because they burn more calories, heavier people may notice faster initial weight loss; those with less weight to lose may progress more slowly.
2. Diet and Exercise: Effective weight loss requires a balanced diet in concert with consistent exercise. Steer clear of too limiting diets and concentrate on whole meals, protein, and good fats.
3. Metabolism: Everybody’s metabolism varies. Your speed or sluggish loss of weight depends on age, gender, and heredity among other things.
4. Stress and Sleep: By influencing hormones like cortisol, which results in fat accumulation, high-stress levels and inadequate sleep might impede your efforts at weight loss.
Patience Is Key
Recall, steady weight loss takes time. “There is no shortcut to enduring results,” Jenna counsels. “You’ll see the long run improvement if you concentrate on developing good habits instead of running after short fixes.”
Long-term weight loss success depends most on consistency, patience, and self-compassion.
