How Long Does It Normally Take a Person to Lose 20 Pounds?

Every person has a different body chemistry, different living conditions and different discipline and self-confidence when it comes to losing weight.   With that in mind, it is a difficult task – answering the question, “How long does it normally take for a person to lose 20 pounds?”  There are three primary factors that apply to anyone who endeavor to better manage their weight.

The entire process of reducing excessive weight is impacted by calories… caloric intake and outtake, and calories burned.  The average person consumes 1200 calories a day and has an average outtake of 3,500, for a total of 4,500 calories to burn a day in any effort to lose just one pound.  Understanding just this one principle, you will change the way you think about how long it would normally take to lose 20 pounds.  In addition to watching your food intake, remember that every little action you can pack into your day will contribute to added weight loss.

Tied to the calorie counting is the impact of proper water intake.  Did you know that your body is made of approximately 60 to 80 percent of your overall weight, responsible for flushing out toxins as well as carrying nutrients throughout the cellular system, and providing nutrients and moisture to body tissues?  This is the second factor in acknowledging the question, “How long does it normally take for a person to lose 20 pounds?” Understanding the danger of becoming dehydrated is crucial to weight loss… drinking enough water helps maximize body performance and reduces junk food cravings.

One additional factor in understanding how long it takes for a person to lose 20 pounds is the willingness to engage in physical exercise.  Although it is possible to lose 20 pounds in a week or two, to lose 20 pounds in a month is the safest, and most lasting method, one which should include a good exercise program.  To lose 20 pounds in any kind of accelerated fashion, make sure you include cardio workouts 3-4 times a week.

Back to that question, “How long does it normally take for a person to lose 20 pounds?”  It doesn’t have to take a long time and is easily accomplished in just a couple of months; however if you are looking for long-term healthy benefits – don’t go for a quick fix, build weight loss and maintenance into your daily lifestyle with just these three factors:  managed calorie intake, proper water consumption and consistent physical exercise.