How much weight can I lose in a month?

This question is about Nutrition

Sarah Achleithner

According to the CDC, a healthy weight loss is 4 to 8 pounds in a month [

1

].

Weight loss relies on energy input/output, meaning the number of calories consumed should be less than the calories burned. On average, it takes 3,500 calories to burn one pound, which means that diet, exercise, and lifestyle factors (like

sleep

and

stress

) play important roles in weight loss. Other factors, such as what you eat, meal timing, age, and genetics are also considered.

If you want to exercise to lose weight, research suggests that 150-250 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week will provide modest weight loss, while greater amounts (>250 minutes/week) have been associated with clinically significant weight loss [

2

]. 

scale at a doctor's office

References:

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020, August 17). Losing weight. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved March 29, 2022, from

    http://www.cdc.gov/healthyweight/losing_weight/

     

  2. Donnelly, Joseph E., Blair, Steven N., Jakicic, John M., Manore, Melinda M., Rankin, Janet W., & Smith, Bryan K. (2009). Appropriate physical activity intervention strategies for weight loss and prevention of weight regain for adults. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 41(2), 459–471.

    https://doi.org/10.1249/mss.0b013e3181949333

     

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