If you’re looking to shed weight fast or you’re getting ready for a wedding or a vacation, many people look for the quickest solution to lose weight. Losing 20 pounds within a month can technically be possible, depending on your body composition.
However, losing 20 pounds within a month can be strenuous on your body and practically impossible for most people. Most people can only lose up to 1-2 pounds a week which would take you almost three months to hit that weight loss goal.
Think about the risks of losing that much weight within a month and the strain it can put on your body and mental health.
Is it Physically Possible to Lose 20 Pounds in a Month?
If you’re looking to lose weight fast, you may have fallen victim to the 30-day challenges and supplements that promise you to lose weight extremely fast.
But in reality, losing such a large amount of weight in a short period of time can only be possible depending on your current body fat percentage.
If you eat in a calorie deficit and do high-intensity workouts, it is possible for you to lose that much weight in a month.
However, losing that much weight in a short time can negatively affect your body. You can risk dehydration and losing muscle mass if you do not implement a good diet and work out.
Why Can Some People Lose 20 Pounds in a Month and Some Can’t?
Everyone’s bodies are different, so setting a 20-pound weight loss goal by the end of the month may seem attainable, but depending on your body composition, it may be impossible.
However, depending on your fat percentage, it may be possible for you to lose 20 pounds within a month. The higher your body fat percentage, the more likely you are to be able to achieve losing 20 pounds in a month.
When you watch shows like the Biggest Loser, you would see contestants sometimes lose up to 10-15 pounds in a week.
However, not only do these individuals have a high body fat percentage but they are also being monitored by medical professionals and can handle such a big weight loss in a short amount of time.
That is why it’s not recommended for the average person to lose 20 pounds within a month.
Is Losing 20 Pounds in a Month Too Much?
If you want to take care of your body and lose weight in a healthy way, losing 20 pounds in a month can be a strain on your body. On average, you would have to be at a calorie deficit of anywhere between 500 to 1,000 calories in a day.
However, you’re able to do this by improving your current diet and exercising a couple of times a week to help you reach this goal.
For most people losing 20 pounds in a month is an unrealistic expectation. You will be surprised how much 20 pounds can really change your appearance.
Start by setting smaller goals, and don’t let the scale define you. Focus on feeling better for yourself and how you feel in your body rather than setting such a high goal that it will be unhealthy to try to attain.
Is a 20 Pound Weight Loss Noticeable?
Depending on your body composition before your weight loss journey, a 20-pound weight loss could be extremely noticeable.
Two people could both lose 20 pounds and look completely different because their body composition from before and after the weight loss could also be different.
Regardless of how much you currently weigh, if you lose 20 pounds through proper diet and exercise, you will feel lighter in your workouts, and your clothes will start to feel different.
You’ll notice the weight loss in your day-to-day life, and it will inspire you to continue your weight loss journey if you have a larger long-term goal.
What does Losing 20 Pounds in a Month Do To Your Body?
Losing 20 pounds in a month is a drastic change that requires losing an almost impossible 4-5 pounds a week.
Shedding off that much weight would be unhealthy and unsafe for some individuals. Depending on your current weight, losing that much weight could pose more health concerns rather than having you feel great for such a substantial weight loss.
Some of the symptoms you may experience include:
- Lack of nutrition
- Muscle Loss
- Dehydration
- Extreme levels of hunger
Don’t risk your health to meet a short-term goal; take the necessary steps to inform yourself about healthy ways to lose weight.
Drastic weight loss can also result in a higher chance of you regaining the weight. Focus on changing your lifestyle rather than trying to lose weight as quickly as you can.
Final Thoughts on Losing 20 Lbs in a Month
It’s great to have a clear expectation of how much weight you want to lose and have a timeline of when you want to achieve that goal. Setting goals with a timeline can help hold yourself accountable when you’re losing weight.
Expecting to lose 20 pounds in a month is unrealistic and unhealthy. Don’t fall victim to the weight loss scams that tell you that you can lose 1 pound a day or drop three clothing sizes in a month.
If you are safely losing weight, you should lose 1-2 pounds a week if you are eating at a caloric deficit of around 500-1000 calories daily. You can work on your diet and incorporate workouts like cardio and weight lifting to help you meet your daily calorie goal.