how fast is safe weight loss? i dont want to do anything unhealthy

[elementalincognitus]

hi, ive been doing some work to lose some weight, and ive had a pretty good amount of success... only thing is i dont know whats a reasonable amount to lose in a reasonable amount of time.  ok, well im 5'11, early dec- i was 202lbs.... as of this morning, im 171lbs.... im shooting for low 160s, between typical female and male weights for my height.  is this too fast? ive done absolutely no exercise whatsoever, i just cut my meals in half and only drink water.  idk, my gf thinks 31 lbs is an extreme amount of weight to lose in two and a half months, but it was too easy for it to be dangerous imo.  whats a typical weight loss profile?

also, im hoping to start an HRT regimine soon and was wondering if i should be keeping a bit of weight on for that... just trying to set myself up for the best results from hrt. 

[SusanKG]

I've lost 12 lbs since right after Thanksgiving. I just went to the doctor last week. He says that's a good rate; it's easier to keep it off by losing more slowly. My weight range - 252 ten years ago, got it down to 220. I slipped up to 230, then have been losing a little since - now 218. He suggested about 180 for my size and build for a male. I asked him what for a female and he never answered. At this appointment I gave him the word about the GID. He took it very calmly, but said that in 25 years, while he had several patients with gender issues ("conflicts" I believe he said), none had transitioned, so he may have lost track, which he does not do much. Of course he hasn't had me transition yet either, but he agreed with my therapists' choice of endo doc.

Anyway, I agree with him, and I guess your friend, that you may be fast-tracking the loss a bit, but the proof will be in keeping it off. I'm losing mine by following the advice from comedian Carl Hurley's doctor, "you need to stop having these intimate little dinners for two, when these's only you there!"

SusanKG

[Silver]

According to my freshman health class, 1 lb. a week is max.

[Windrider]

Weight watchers (and my doctor) give the range of ~.5-1lb/week average. Some weeks you'll lose more, some you won't lose, and some you'll gain. You've lost 30lbs in about 11 weeks, which is about 2.7lbs/week. A bit fast. I'd say you're not eating enough.

I can understand the drive to lose weight. I'm doing it now too, but being healthy (and knowing how to eat healthy) are better in the long run.

WR

[Jasmine.m]

I also used Weight Watchers to loose about 50 pounds. I lost that in about three to three and half months. WW is a very good program that teaches you new eating habits so that you don't end up gaining all that weight back. Weight loss and keeping it off is a life style change, not a quick and easy scheme (I know that sounds corny, but it's true!). I lost all that weight in 2003 and I haven't gained it back yet! Good luck to you!!

[elementalincognitus]

1 lb per week? wow..... well i dont know, maybe i was supposed to be lighter, i havent really been fighting much to lose it though, i just cut all meals in half and cut all meat portions in 1/4.... but i think the biggest thing was switching from soft drinks to water only.  i guess im going to have to start eating a bit more once im out running, or ill be a stick figure.... idk, what do you all think about the goal of low 160s? will that be too thin for someone who is 5'11?

[thestory]

I was trying to gain weight and I lost 5 pounds  . Cutting out meals and food isn't such a great idea for those trying to lose it because you have to keep your metabolism up. Cut out the bad stuff out of the diet and get into a healthier/ more active routine and keep it or you'll just gain what you lose back.

[Jasmine.m]

1 lb per week? wow..... well i dont know, maybe i was supposed to be lighter, i havent really been fighting much to lose it though, i just cut all meals in half and cut all meat portions in 1/4.... but i think the biggest thing was switching from soft drinks to water only.  i guess im going to have to start eating a bit more once im out running, or ill be a stick figure.... idk, what do you all think about the goal of low 160s? will that be too thin for someone who is 5'11?

As I recall , Weight Watchers recommended a max weight loss of 2 lbs/week.

According to the BMI calculator, at 5'11'" and 160 lbs, you'll have a BMI of 22.3. That is considered "Normal Weight". You can use the link above to calculate your BMI at a variety of weights. You should really be counting calories and stuff, not just cutting your meals in half. Note that the standard, "I'm not a doctor" disclaimer applies.

[hkgurl1480]

I am originally from Australia, so we deal in kg, sorry.  But i was always taught about 1kg per week is fine, any more 2kg in any given week is too much.  As stated above use the BMI calculator as a rough guide for a healthy weight. I am also 5'11" and my ideal weight is around 72 to 75kg.
I suggest eating a healthy low fat diet. Count calories to ensure you are eating enough. Oh and do some exercise.
Of course i am no doctor, if in doubt seek the advice of a professional.

Shelly
xx

[Meshi]

It really depends on how overweight you are..The closer to your goal weight, of course the harder it will be.  On avg it is about 2 lbs a wk, but much heavier ppl it is not a problem to even loose 10lbs in the first wk or two.  If you diet correctly and take in enough h20 it is not going to hurt you to loose more, especially if you are obese.  that is saying that you do not have other health issues.