Is it Possible to Lose 50+ pounds in 4-5 Months?

[Daniella]

Hello Everyone,

I can not tell you how excited I was to find these forums, where I can discuss weight loss with people who seem very educated on the subject. This year I have finally decided to gain control over my eating habits and lose the weight that I've consistently gained since High School. I have never been a small girl, but once I began college, the unhealthy lifestyle of frequent fast food, junk food, and alcohol consumption took over.

I now almost tip the scale at 300 pounds . Although I am lucky enough to be tall (5'8") so that the fat is distributed more evenly throughout my body, I am still extremely out of shape and very unhappy--which brings me to my second point. I plan to intern within the fashion/retail industry this summer (roughly 4-5 months away), and I am worried that my weight could potentially cost me some jobs. It is so hard for me to stand for hours at a time because it hurts my knees, ankles, and feet so badly. I know it is because I have so much weight on me. There is no way I can make it through any internship if my self-esteem, self-image, and confidence level remains as low as it is now due to my largeness.

Therefore, I want to try and lose 50-70 pounds by June. I plan to do it the "natural" way through diet and exercise (and no I won't be starving myself)--just at a faster rate. I know most say that it is better to lose weight slowly, but I figured that since I am so overweight (by over 100 pounds), that it would be okay for me to lose 4 or 5 pounds a week. Is that possible? If so, are there any particular techniques that you suggest?

I would really appreciate any feedback or advice you are able to give me and thank you for listening.

[Missy]

It's hard to say what kind of weight loss is possible because everyone's body is different and reacts different. I would say that it is possible because when throughout my journey I have averaged about 25-30 pounds every 3 months. So that could mean a 60 pound loss in 6 months. Whatever you do, don't do this the unhealthy way because you might take it off, but it will come right back on if not done properly. Make sure you are eating at least 1200 cals a day..and I would actually recommend higher than that. Currently I weigh 172 pounds and my nutritionist put me on 2100 cals/day for weight loss. When I was 261 pounds I was eating 2800 cals a day and still losing weight. Get plenty of fruits and veggies along with some whole grains. Drink plenty of water and do as much exercise as you can. Every little bit counts. If you can get out for a 1/2 hour walk everyday, that is perfect. It's good to incorporate some kind of weight training with it to build up your strength and muscles. The more muscle you have, the more fat you burn. Also..weight lifting helps decrease sagging skin when losing huge amounts of weight.

I'd say it's possible as long as you do it right

[Daniella]

Thanks so much for your response Yea I am trying to force myself to consume 1500-1800 calories each day, and then burn off at least 300 (preferrably 500) through exercise. It will be difficult though because I have a full schedule of classes, and I work part-time....so I won't get to work out as much as I would like. I have been using those caloric intake calculators to help me figure out how many calories to consume. I really hope it all works out. I am really just trying to get back into a size 14/16, which is the size I was about 70 pounds ago. I am currently a snug size 22.

[trevene_ann]

Sweetie take it from the original fat girl her self TAKE IT SLOW if you change your diet to drasticly you will gain the weight back . What ever you do make sure whatever you do is something you can stick with on the long term that way your weight loss will be more beneficial. We are told that 1-2 lbs a week is ideal for weight loss just dont make your self sick trying to loose too much too soon.

[Daniella]

^That's very true about being too drastic. I've tried to go that route before and I failed everytime because I was trying to do too much at once, and I couldn't live that way. I really think I've found a comfortable balance this time though. I had been having trouble finding low calorie dinners to eat (i rarely get to prepare/cook anything myself) which was my main issue.

I've discovered that Hormel dinners are low in calories and are filling. Have you seen those? They are in the grocery section with canned goods, and they're vacuum sealed instead of frozen. They also claim to be preservative free, which is a plus. They come in a variety of meals, and most of them are in the 200-300 calorie range.

[72butterfly]

Daniella,
I think it is doable but as Missy says it depends on the individual. I was overweight when I was in college also but managed to lose about 60 lbs. One of my many weight loss stories. I would make my lunch and carry snacks with me. I had a car on campus but I would park the farthest away and walk everywhere all day. I also took advantage of the fitness center on campus that was free for all students. You could also start your own weight loss support group with other students. I didn't do that but it sounds like a great idea. I think prepackaged meals are okay also. But I'm also the one on another thread that said the 100 calorie snack packs are okay too. I think they are better than you grabbing fast food which would be 2x-3x the calories of the prepackaged food.

[doriesmith]

I think the general consensus is that 1-2 pounds per week is a safe weightloss. Five months would be approximately 20-24 weeks right? Some months have more than four weeks. You'ld be close probably, somewhere in the 40 pound weight loss area safely. Take it slow, you'll make it. Make small goals and reward yourself (not with food, lol) when you reach them. Good luck!!!

[sarah lou smith]

Rather than looking at 50 pounds and 4 - 5 months away do a month at a time, so 10lb per month doesnt sound so daunting.

Good luck and im sure everyone here will help u get to ur target

[Missy]

I agree with that as well. Try not to focus on the number you want to lose, set smaller goals for yourself that are easier to reach and will make you happy when you reach them. Like Sarah Lou Smith said, try setting your goals at 10 pound increments and when you reach them give yourself a small reward such as a new haircut, new shoes, new clothes etc. Just don't reward yourself with food

[mrbean]

Daniella, You probably didn't gain all that weight in just 4~5 months, so don't expect to lose fifty pounds of fat weight in only 4 months healthily. Losing 1~2 pounds of fat per week is considered healthier and would add up to 50~90 pounds in just one year. And that's a pretty descent amount of weight.