How Much Weight Can I Lose In A Month? Here’s The Brutally Honest Truth

January 22, 2017 | 244 Comments


how much weight can you lose in a month

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

weight loss 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.

244 Comments - Leave Your Thoughts

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  1. I’ve always struggled with my weight. My freshman year of high school I was probably in my best shape because I conditioned really well for soccer. As time went on I wasn’t thinking about what I was eating, and towards the end of my high school career I was in a relationship, and I think we know that when we’re in a relationship we tend to gain a few more pounds. When that relationship ended my weight didn’t get any better, and I’ve just always been trying to find a solution. Every single day I think about taking a stance and eating healthy and exercising, but I can’t put my mind to it. This is something that I’ve wanted for the longest time, and reading this article just makes me think that I’m just too lazy and I don’t want to put the work in even though it’s something I’ve wanted. Of course everyone wants to the weight to just disappear but we’re missing the hard work and motivation, and after reading this article it really opened my eyes.

  2. Hi Keith,

    I found this article by “accident” but, as someone that is trying to get into taking care of my body PROPERLY. This article was a must read and confirmed my thoughts on why I could never maintain my weight all the previous times I’ve tried. Starving myself didn’t work (binge eating always followed right behind starving) and working out like a maniac was most likely more damaging than beneficial. So, I gotta ask: How many calories should a 20/21 year old, 5’7, 250lb woman like myself consume a day? Thanks

  3. Hi,

    As a 20-year-old female, weighing in at 260 lbs, and 5’7 in height. How many calories should I be eating to lose weight long term? My goal is to lose about 50-100 lbs by my 21 birthday next year (March 5th,2017). I have already started making changes by adopting a pescatarian diet and I am drinking my water as I should. While it would be nice to see and feel changes right away, I understand long term goals are better than short term ones. Any advice or tips will be applied and appreciated.

    Thanks in advance!

  4. Hi,

    This article is really cool and is not misleading at all. I’d like to know how many calories should I consume as I’m 5’1 and weigh 143 lbs and my target is 105 lbs. I’ve tried a lot to shed the extra pounds but it all went in vain. Also, can you suggest me few exercises which will speed the process a bit?

  5. Is it possible to lose 5-6 kg in 2 months !?
    I plan to eat 3 meals a day at set times (6am,12-1pm,6-7pm).
    run for at least 30 minutes 6 days a week and drink plenty of water…
    Is this possible?

    its my last stone to lose so to say and im finding it relatively hard to lose it but then again I wasnt incorporating exercise and my diet was complete crap and was only counting calories.
    helppppp!
    I’m 5’2.5 52kg…. also how much cals should i be eating? Im desperate! so tired of restricting and having an ED mindset

    1. not likely at your current weight. At your weight, about 1200 cals per day. But also, you might want to consider gaining some muscle and not focusing so much on weight.

  6. Hi! Okay, I’m starting off by saying this is the coolest article out there.. I’m afraid, I’ve never read an article so up front before. I’m a 19 year old girl. I’m 5’0 ft and I’m 130 pounds.. Now, although that may sound a lot like I look “chubby” but to be honest, I don’t. I look pretttty skinny. The only problem is my stomach. I know you can’t just lose weight in one place but honestly I think that’s where all my fat has stored itself lol now I plan to run 6 times a week for a good 30 mins but I feel as if my struggle point is finding a good diet.. I don’t know what I should and shouldn’t eat.. Obviously I know I shouldn’t be eating burgers and chips everyday, I don’t know WHAT i should be eating everyday lol is there a way you can help me out? Thank you so much for taking the time to read this:)

  7. This article is awesome.thanks for all ur advice..i felt like u all know what i m thinking.i want to lose approximately 40kg weight and tone my body. Please help me out.

  8. Hi Keith,

    I love your brutal honesty in this article!

    I have always been relatively fit – working out, eating right, Yoga, etc.. 1.5 years ago I started to undergo a lot of work related stress, family health issues, etc. I quickly started gaining weight and before you know it I gained 35 lbs. I had my health checked and I am fine. The doctors says it mussed me from the stress.

    I am 37 – 5″2, 173 lbs – and have never been this weight in my life. I became so discouraged that the weight was piling on and stupidly I stopped working out. Now, I have my wedding in 3 months and I am determined to lose this weight!

    Can you please help me with some, tips suggestions to get me on track again? How often should I work out?, how many calories should I eat?, etc.

    Thank you Keith!

    1. at your weight, around 1730 per day (multiplying your bodyweight by 10). And adjust accordingly every 5 pounds. So when you’re 168, you’ll eat 1680 calories and so on.

  9. Hi. I am a male aged 34 years weighing 235 pounds with the height of 5ft8″. I was 210 pounds approximately 4 months back but because of some issues i started unhealthy eating and not working out made the weight increase. I would like to lose the 25 pounds i gained by this December 2016 so roughly in about 4 1/2 months. I have a stationery bike at home which i used 3 times a week for 30 mins at the average speed of 20km/hr. Kindly advise how many calories do i need in order to accomplish my goal by the end of this year (2016).

  10. I’m 13 years old and I weight 131 and I forgot my height but I just want to be really slim and I was wondering that if I eat nothing but a piece of meat everyday and drink water then how much weight can I lose in 2 months?

    1. No no. Please don’t start tracking calories and becoming obsessed with dieting. Your #1 goal should simply be to try to be more active and make healthier decision with your food. I know that sounds super general, but it will work, I promise.

  11. I have been struggling with my weight for as long as I can remember. And being a 21 year old female, weighing 215 lbs, and only 5’4, I really want to feel better and be healthy like I was 3/4 years ago. But getting back to that stage has been a bitch. My long term goal is to lose about 90 lbs. I am going on vacation at the end of March 2016, and just want to be healthier, not feel so shitty and to be able to feel comfortable again. I know that I am not going to lose 90 lbs in 7 months, but what can I do to help myself just reach my long term goal. I haven’t set a specific date because every time I do that I just get upset that I didn’t reach it. In the past week I have lost 2 to 4 lbs just by walking on my treadmill and changing my eating habits. I don’t know how many calories I should be taking in, and also how many I should be burning.

    Any information will help.

    Thanks!

    1. That’s a different approach that I need to rewrite. That’s more for shedding a lot of water weight quickly.

      In the end, you might only end up losing 1-2 more pounds of fat.

  12. So your name is Keith. I’m 18, weigh 193 pounds, 4years back it was 163 pounds, I dont know when I developed thyroid, I lost all my metabolism a in these two years before 2016, I need to lost 60 pounds, I’ve joined a gym as well, been 5 days, also, my metabolism has been increased gradually because I kept trying, it really hurt to not run as fast as I could, I used to play tennis and take 10-15 rounds of six courts in a row making an elliptical, without stopping. And always one extra to forgive any mistakes that I made while running. I skipped a lot, I could do 5000 at one go without stopping and used to begin from one if I stopped:| I wad such an asshole to my self. I dont have any major questions, but let me know if we can go on a date. 🙂

  13. Hi, I am 26, and I weigh between 200-218, I flux hate between there. I have several injuries, I’m looking at a fifth knee surgery in a few months because my knee got messed up when I was 13 in gym class. I used to be way thin and in shape minus some health problems. It was not till a year and a half ago that I started packing on the pounds and when I started having hormone problems. I was diagnosed with cyclical ovarian cysts and stage three endometriosis and couldn’t regulate or take hormones because of blood clotting problems. I had a total hysterectomy a year ago, and no I don’t have kids and I’m going through full on menopause. I have back problems from a fall, and both my knees are bad. So I’m limited to what exercising I can do and I try to eat healthy for the most part. I’m finding it hard to drop the weight and I’m sure the hormone problem is a big part of it. My question is, is there anything that I can do to help drop some of the weight? I’m so tired of feeling bad about myself, I already am infertile and have a lot of injuries, I just want to feel good about at least how I look in my gut. I like the rest of my body, but my stomach I can’t stand. Please help, any advice appreciated.

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