It is a very common question to ask… How long does it take to lose weight? To give you a clear answer you should know that generally a person should lose 2 pounds per week. Nothing more than that is safe. Or else, you feel sluggish and unproductive if you lose more than two pounds per week.

So how long does it take to lose weight? Weeks…months or years? Depending on the amount of pounds you want to shed off. Based on the above information, let us cite an example. If your weight now is 200 pounds and you would want to lose 20 pounds. If you are allowed to lose 2 pounds per week, then it will take you 10 weeks to lose the 20 pound weight and achieve the 180 pounds that you want.

There are also many factors to consider on how long does it take to lose weight. First, you should know your ideal weight base on your height, gender, age and your body mass index or BMI. Then determine the methodology of weight loss you want to use. If you will be using the healthy eating and exercise as a method, then remember the caloric rule, that to be able to burn one pound of fat, you should burn or lose 3500 calories. So make sure that you are burning more calories that what you are eating.

You should also take into consideration that each person’s metabolic rate is different from another person. It is fairly like a fingerprint, each individual has his own metabolic rate. Knowing this will help you understand how long does it take to lose weight. The metabolic rate is simply the rate you use up energy as in calories. The higher the metabolic rate, the more calories you burn. The lower the rate, the fewer you burn. Asking a registered nutritionist will help you decipher your metabolic rate.

There is really no specific time frame on how long does it take to lose weight. Set your goals and stick to them.

Weigh yourself once a month and check if you are hitting your target. Do not get frustrated as there are moments when the scales tell you to work out more. Self-discipline and patience are the best virtues you should have. Do not hurry, take it slowly but surely. If it seems to take you so long to have your ideal body weight, never give up and continue your weight loss program. Read and be informed on the facts behind weight loss. There is nothing much better than knowing.