Look.
Chances are you’re reading this article right now because you are desperate.
You are sick and tired of the way you look.
You are fed up with being overweight, unhealthy, and feeling like shit.
You want results and you want them now.
You’re just starting out so you want to know how much weight will you be able to lose in a month.
But more specifically you want to know the MAXIMUM amount of weight you can lose in a month.
And you want to do it with as little work as humanly possible.
Now I could easily draw out this intro paragraph a bit longer and tell you how the world and the government has fucked you into being overweight.
I could tell you how it’s not your fault.
I could tell you that all you need to do is sign up for my $97 program and you’ll be able to lose 50 pounds in a single month with zero dieting, 20 minutes of exercise, and less effort than hitting resume on the season premiere of Orange is the New Black.
That would be the dream, huh?
Well that’s because it is a dream.
“How much weight can I lose in a month?” Why asking this question already guarantees you’re fucked
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The mere fact that you’re asking this question shows flawed thinking.
If you’re asking “how much weight can I lose this month,” you’re basically telling yourself, “I want this weight loss crap to be over as fast as humanly possible.”
And that’s totally understandable.
When you’re first getting started, no one wants to diet and exercise.
It’s not a sexy and enjoyable thing to do.
But if you’re looking for ways to lose the maximum amount of weight in a month, 2 months, 12 months or whatever…
…then you’re telling yourself that you don’t want to put in the work after that time period.
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You’re telling yourself “Okay, I’m going to exercise 6x per week and eat nothing but salad for the next 30 days.”
But after those 30 days, we all know what happens.
Everything goes to the shitter.
Your old shitty eating habits come back up, you stop exercising, and surprise, you gain back what you lost in a matter of days.
But this should really come to no surprise.
You essentially fucked yourself from the beginning.
Deep down you knew you could never sustain your insane workout/diet for the month.
What’s the maximum amount of weight someone can lose in a month?
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Okay let’s give some practical advice.
Here’s what you can realistically expect to lose if you’re just starting a weight loss plan:
The more weight you have to lose, the more you will initially lose.
If you are 100 pounds overweight, you’ll probably lose up to 20 pounds in your first month.
This is simply because you have more bodyweight to lose.
That and you’re going to lose a lot of water weight.
But if you are already pretty lean and have 10 pounds to lose, you might only lose 1-2 pounds in a month.
Most people will lose 1-2 pounds per week
Note how I said just said “pounds.”
This isn’t pure body fat.
The first week you will more lose more water, then it tapers off to 1-2 pounds per week.
Related: Can you lose 10 pounds in a week?
Once you get to those last 5-10 pounds, weight loss can slow down to as little as 0.5 pounds per week.
Weight loss is not linear
As much as we want it to happen, weight loss is not linear.
This means you are not going to lose 1 pound per week for 12 weeks until you reach your goal weight.
You’ll go some weeks losing 1-2 pounds per week, then go 2 weeks without losing anything.
The secret is to stay consistent and trust the process.
30 days is not enough time to see big changes in your body
Sorry to crush the dreams of everyone reading this article, but 30 days is not nearly enough time to see huge changes in your physique.
I’m not saying you won’t see results.
But seriously, what were you expecting to happen in 30 days?
Professional fitness models give themselves up to 20 weeks to get shredded and you want that in 30 days?
Get the fuck out of here.
Instead of 1 month goals, use 1 month checkpoints
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Trying to lose the maximum amount of weight in 1 month (30 days) never works because you’re not focused on creating life long habits.
It’s why people who try to lose weight for a wedding or high school reunion immediately put back on the weight afterwards.
They’re so focused on getting in shape by the end of the month that they have know idea what the hell they’re going to do afterwards.
So how do you beat this?
Instead of setting 1 month goals, set 1 month checkpoints.
1 month checkpoints remove the stress and pressure of having to hit some ridiculous goal at the end of the month.
It helps you refocus your mental energy and really gives you a sense of accomplishment every single month.
Here’s an example:
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1 month goal: “I need to lose 10 pounds in the next month.”
1 month checkpoint: “I will make healthier food choices and stay within my daily calories.”
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1 month goal: “I will never eat sugar again this month.”
1 month checkpoint: “I will reduce my sugar intake slightly and focus on staying within my calories.”
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1 month goal “I will go to the gym 6x per week for 2 hours at a time.”
1 month checkpoint: “I will go the gym at least once this week then 2x next week, then 3x the following week. As long as I’m improving, I’m good to go. ”
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As you can see, the whole point is to take incremental steps towards your goal instead of trying to take one massive leap and fall flat on your face like most people.
So bottom line: Use 1 month checkpoints to create momentum and crush any long term goal.
Your 3 step battle plan to losing the max amount of weight this month (and the rest of your life)
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Step #1: Create a calorie deficit
The cornerstone of any diet is a calorie deficit. This means you need to eat less than your burn in order to lose weight.
Most people can start with getting about 10-12x your bodyweight in pounds for their daily calorie intake.
You would need to slightly adjust down if you aren’t initially losing weight.
If you want to lose weight faster, you would start at 10x.
But please note that the lower calorie you go, the harder it gets since hunger will be greater.
Step #2: Get your macros (and micros) under order
Macros are your protein, carbs, and fats.
In order to preserve muscle mass as well as regulate hunger, you should aim to get a minimum of 0.6 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight if you’re relatively sedentary.
If you’re doing heavy weight lifting like I recommend in Superhero Shredding 2.0, then you would need to bump that up to 0.8 grams.
Step #3: Set realistic expectations
Arguably the most important step in this whole process.
Most people know that they need to eat less crap and exercise more in order to lose weight.
Where 99% of people screw up is they’re unrealistic, lazy, and really just too much of a pussy to put in the work.
Sorry, some one had to say it.
Anyone can chase the goal of losing 5-10 pounds in a month but how many can maintain those results for the next 6-12 months? How about 6-12 years?
Most can’t.
That’s why expectations are so important.
You can’t expect a miracle in a month. The sooner you realize that, the better off you’ll be.
So what exactly the brutally honest truth?
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It’s this:
- If your mentality is “What is the maximum amount of weight I can lose this month?” then you already lost. You will never be successful at losing weight unless you approach it with a long term mindset.
- The stories you hear about people losing 30+ pounds per month almost never happen unless you’re morbidly obese.
- Weight loss is not linear. You always lose more in the beginning, level out to about 1-2 pounds per week in the middle, and weight loss slows down to a crawl in the end. Always.
- Stop searching for the fucking “secret.” It doesn’t exist. Just like becoming a millionaire or finding that perfect girlfriend who’s hot, smart, and kind, there’s no secret. The “secret” is that there is not secret. It’s all about having consistency, grit, and determination to get what you want.
What’s your biggest struggle with losing weight? Drop a comment below and let me know. I’m glad to help.
Hey,
You seem to be helping others so it can’t hurt to ask. I am about to turn 20 I am 5’4″ and 225lbs. I really hurt my back a few months ago and am having a hard time exercising but I am trying to at least walk for around 2 hours a day. How many calories should I be consuming? Any tips otherwise?
If you can’t exercise you can still lose weight via. dieting.
I would aim for about. 2250 calories per day.
I’m 12… I’m 5’7 and I weigh 225lbs. I need help… I’m tired of people looking at me like if I was a whale… and not only I’m tired of them looking at me but I’m tired to look at myself in the mirror and say… what the hell did I get myself Into and avoid looking at myself. I have stretch marks on my hips, stomach, and inner thighs. My stretch marks isn’t what I’m worrying about, it’s my weight. I have trouble with exercise because I also have asthma and it is also hard because I have to drag my weight with me… hopefully you can help me because I can’t handle my body anymore. I hope you can read this and try to find a way to help me? Thanks
Ok I need to be very careful with the way I word this because you’re 12, and well…you’re 12.
First off, you’re 12.
I can’t possibly imagine what’s going on in your head but you’re probably thinking it’s the end of the world.
Well, it’s not.
You have so much time to get in shape, it’s silly that you’re so worried about it right now.
First off, look at your diet.
Don’t start counting calories. Don’t start meal prepping.
Have your parents or whoever just help you start making healthier choices. For example, eat more fruits/vegetables and less candy/chips.
Most people can still exercise with asthma, you just need to start slow. Something like a brisk walk will do.
Hi, i am 34 and weigh 83kgs and have started eating healthy and exercising since about 2 weeks now. I try and intake 1000cal each day. Do you think i will be able to help myself to lose weight by doing so.
No that’s too few calories. I would get a minimum of 10x your bodyweight in pounds for your calorie intake.
Im 15 Im trying to lose weight the problem is i eat massive amounts of stuff my calorie intake fluctuates from 2600 maybe to 2,800. I weigh 175 and I can feel myself becoming heavier I’m trying to stay away from eating so much and exercising but the thing thats confusing me what kind of exercise is something that will be most effective and i can stick to longterm?
Woah slow down there. First off, you’re only 15. You haven’t even completely gone through puberty yet.
Stop stressing so much on counting calories…and really just focus on eating more mindfully and making better food choices.
i am 19 year old 5’10” inches guy. i was 86 kg and now i am 76 kg in two month and still two-three months to go to in perfect body weight.i just wanted to say that all the points you are saying absolutely truth
Yup it always takes longer than people think.
Hi, you seem very honest so I thought I’d ask your opinion.
I’m 25yo female weighing 100kg, I want to reach my goal (65-70kg) within
12 months. I have lost 30kg in the past 6 months. I’m very used to portioning
my meals now and I consume 1500 calories daily eating paleo and 100g protein.
I burn 5000 calories daily because I’m more energetic and active,
but is it dangerous to be burning that many calories consuming only 1500 calories a day?
I feel more energetic and better, but I find it hard to eat because I’m always full, should
I slow down on the amount of calories I burn? Thanks
You burn 5000 calories daily? Um…no you don’t.
Hey i m 6.2ft weigh 98kg i want to loose 10kg weight how much calories should i take?
About 2150 cals per day.
I am 17 years old and I weight 240 pounds I am trying to lose 70 pounds to become 170 pounds.
Do you think I should eat 1000-1500 calories a day.
I drink 4-6 liters of water a day.
Please help I am trying to lose weight and be healthy.
Thanks
No definitely do not do 1000 calories per day.
Start with no less than 2400 calories per day.
Hi, same as most of these other people I have a huge problem I’m 17 years old about to be a senior and I have prom and pictures and a bunch of other things to do this year, I weigh 365lbs sadly but I really want to be fit and eat healthier but my parents don’t buy healthy things and I’m not motivated…..do you by chance have any tips/
Yeah that’s tough.
Any way you can sit down with your parents and tell them why losing weight and being healthy is so important to you.
Hey buddy I found this article really nice and very truthful I am 22 years old weight :95 kg want to be 75 kg or less than that I do one hour excercise 6 days a week my calories intake for daily 1000-1400 I do cheat my diet plan on Sunday’s only.I need suggestions that what further I can improve or whether I am wrong somewhere your suggestions would be appreciable thank you
Why are you eating so little? You should be getting at least 10-12x your bodyweight in pounds for daily calories.
I have just recently started working out and eating healthier. I am a 21 year old female, I’m 5’4″ and 154lbs. I am in need of weight loss and toning, looking to lose 20lbs. I am doing stremgth training 3x and light cardio 3x per week, along with healthier choices.
I have never been super into exercise. How long until I should see noticeable results from this routine? I plan to stick with it and not treat it as a “diet”, but I am new to this workout regiment.
Anything worthwhile takes time but you should be able to start seeing slight changes in a few weeks.
I am 43 & 229 lbs. 5’2″
Am I to understand it is possible to lose weight with a 2290 calorie per day intake?
I was just told to aim for 1000 per day….but that seems near impossible. I also have a bad back. My DDD chest causes a lot of back pain.
What do you suggest?
yes but remember that calorie intake is just a starting point, you need to adjust accordingly.
Hi im 25 and 5’3 and weigh 182 pounds. i started out at 190 a month ago and have been eating healthy and exercising 4x a week. i havent really been counting calories. what do you think my calorie intake should be per day? i am trying to reach 125 pounds
start at about 1820 calories
Hi im 14years old , my weight is 75kg. I really want to start losing weight i want to reach my goal wicb is 57kg … So how mucb calories i eat a day? And how much do i train a week? . pls answer im teying to be 67kg in the beigin of august . thanks
Just focus on making healthier food choices. Less soda, more water/ more fruit, less candy/more veggies, less chips.
Don’t worry about cals at your age.
Hi, I need advice too.. I am 43 yesrs old woman..5.3 ft ..71 kg
3 years ago i lost weight 15 kgs (64)in 8 months doing 1200 cals diet.
I gained in all back last year!
Now I am doing the AMway nutrilite diet. I have max1000 cals aday walk 20,000 steps daily and do body jam 3 days a week.
I lost 3 kgs in first 12 days.. Since then no more. I hv a metabolism of 68 years old!!!
Please help advice. It seems like i hv been dieting forever!
Way too few calories, please bump it up a bit.