What is a safe amount of weight to lose in one week?

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What is a safe amount of weight to lose in one week?
26 August 2008 - 4:28pm

My goal is to lose 20lbs. Does anyone know what is a safe amount to lose in one week?

Hi Branson, The recommended #1
26 August 2008 - 4:38pm

Hi Branson,

The recommended safe weight loss is 1-2 pounds per week. Any weekly loss greater than this amount is mostly a loss of water and muscle, and does not change the body's fat content. In fact, the more gradual the weight loss, the more likely it is to be permanent.

From experience, 2 pounds is “safe”—but that’s fat loss. In the beginning, particularly if your bad habits include soda and too much water-weight, you may lose quite a bit more. It will taper off, and when it goes from 5-6+ pounds per week down to 3 or so, you’ll know you’re taking off almost pure fat weight.

I hope this helps, and good luck with your goal!