Speedy Weight Loss

By Delia A. Hammock, M.S., R.D.

By David Turner/Studio D
Delia Hammock, Nutrition Director

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I need to lose about 30 pounds. How fast can I do it?


Speed should not be your main concern -- quick reduction will only backfire. Studies show that when weight comes off slowly through a change in eating habits or exercise (rather than a crash diet) it's more likely to stay off. Moreover, a drastic diet causes the metabolic rate to drop; the body goes into starvation mode and tries to conserve calories, making it more difficult to keep weight down.

We recommend losing about a pound a week. To do that, you need to trim your daily intake by 500 calories, or better yet, cut fewer calories (say 300 calories each day) and burn 200 extra through your favorite exercise.


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