Is it impressive to lose 20 pounds?

Author: Millie Schroeder  |  Last update: Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Losing 20 pounds is a big accomplishment that can help you feel stronger, faster, and fitter, as well as reduce the appearance of body fat and belly fat. If losing 20 pounds is on your list of weight loss goals, establishing the weight loss plan that's right for you will define your success or failure.

Is losing 20 pounds noticeable?

Losing 20 pounds can noticeably alter your appearance. You may see reductions in body fat, a slimmer waistline, and a more toned physique. These changes are often first visible in areas like the face, waist, and thighs. As you lose weight, your clothes will start to fit differently.

How long does it take to realistically lose 20 pounds?

Depending on where you start, it could take anywhere between 10 and 20 weeks (or more) to lose 20 pounds. That may sound like a long time, but the truth is, it's better to go slow and not rush the process—especially because rapid weight loss can be risky, says personal trainer Susan Pata, NASM-CPT.

How many sizes do you go down when you lose 20 pounds?

If you're short on time, here's a quick answer to your question: You typically need to lose 10-20 pounds to drop one pant size.

How will I feel after losing 20 pounds?

Losing 20 pounds can bring various physical and emotional changes. You may experience increased energy levels, improved mobility, and enhanced self-confidence. However, everyone's experience differs. Some may feel proud and accomplished, while others may face challenges adjusting to their new body.

MY WEIGHT LOSS JOURNEY | HOW I LOST 40 POUNDS IN 2 MONTHS

Which body part loses fat first?

Mostly, losing weight is an internal process. You will first lose hard fat that surrounds your organs like liver, kidneys and then you will start to lose soft fat like waistline and thigh fat. The fat loss from around the organs makes you leaner and stronger.

Will my breasts get smaller if I lose 20 pounds?

Do Your Breasts Get Smaller When You Lose Weight? Whilst breasts can get smaller after you lose weight, breasts do not always get smaller after you lose weight. Size changes may be common, but it depends person to person.

How many pounds lost is noticeable?

CDC further recommends that you need to lose around 5-10% of your total body weight to notice changes. For instance, if you weigh 170 pounds, you need to lose roughly 8.3-17 pounds to notice a difference. The results should also be measured after at least three months, for certainty.

How many lbs to drop a pant size?

The rule of thumb, Fernstrom says, is that losing 8 to 10 pounds translates to going down one size.

Is losing 30 pounds noticeable?

Re et al.) found that people notice changes in their faces if they lose around 1.33 points of their BMI score. For people of average height, this amounts to a loss of around 8 or 9 lbs. Losing 30 lbs should be noticeable to most people.

How to flush out water weight?

  1. Exercise Regularly. Daily exercise provides several health benefits, including preventing water retention. ...
  2. Drink More Water. Drinking water to reduce water weight sounds counterintuitive, but it helps. ...
  3. Manage Salt Intake. ...
  4. Cut Carbs. ...
  5. Focus on Certain Foods and Herbs. ...
  6. Try Supplements. ...
  7. Up Your Caffeine Intake.

Will my face look different if I lose 20 pounds?

Typically, losing around 10-15% of your total body weight may result in noticeable facial changes. For someone weighing 200 pounds, this would mean losing 20-30 pounds. The face may appear slimmer, with a reduction in fat and a more defined jawline.

What are the 4 stages of weight loss?

There are 4 phases of weight loss, rapid weight loss, slow weight loss, plateau and maintenance. Each phase has its own characteristics and physiological reasons.

Does fat look worse before it leaves?

You Feel Like You're Looking Worse

The idea is that just before a significant weight loss occurs, you actually look a little pudgy and soft. Why? Because you've started to break down your fat cells and now they're filling up with water. Soon, these cells will flush themselves out and shrink.

How much weight do you need to lose to see it in your face?

“Women and men of average height need to gain or lose about three and a half and four kilograms, or about eight and nine pounds, respectively, for anyone to see it in their face,” said Nicholas Rule, associate professor in the Faculty of Arts & Science and Canada Research Chair in Social Perception and Cognition.

Will anyone notice if I lose 20 pounds?

A good rule of thumb is that people tend to notice your weight loss when you've lost around 10% of your starting weight, so if you started at 250lbs, people will start to notice when you've lost 25lbs. Naturally, the same amount of weight loss can look different on different people.

What is the most attractive BMI for a woman?

Earlier research has found that the most desired BMIs are approximately 18-20, considerably below the average or typical values of young women in well-fed populations.

Does losing 20 pounds look different?

How much weight a person needs to lose for it to be noticeable is also subjective as it depends on your frame and starting body mass index, according to Guzman. On average, a 15 to 20-pound loss (approximately 2 to 5 percent of your starting body weight) is enough to notice "significant changes in your body," he said.

Will I lose my double chin if I lose weight?

Yes, weight loss can have a significant impact on reducing the appearance of a double chin, especially if the extra fat is due to weight gain. When you lose weight, your body burns fat for energy from various parts, including the neck and chin area.

Do your feet get smaller when you lose weight?

Can you lose weight in your feet? While you can not spot reduce weight in your feet, when you lose weight you might find your shoe size goes down a bit. Weight loss will result in a decrease in inflammation and fat throughout your body, including your feet. The change will likely not be extreme.

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