Is it safe to lose 20 pounds in 3 months?

Author: Prof. Hassan Jenkins  |  Last update: Monday, April 28, 2025

Yes, it is possible for a person to lose 20 lbs in 3 months with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and a sustainable calorie deficit. However, experts recommend a gradual weight loss of 1 to 2 pounds per week to avoid health risks.

Can you lose 20 lbs in 3 months?

Three months to lose 20 lbs is going to be hard; it's pretty aggressive, and you'll need to be on a strict deficit. Weight loss isn't perfect. Calories in/calories out aren't exact.

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 much weight can I realistically lose in 3 months?

Key takeaways. A safe and sustainable pace for weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds a week, or 12 to 24 pounds in 3 months. Combining a nutritious, reduced-calorie diet with a mix of aerobic and resistance exercise is the best way to lose weight.

What happens to your body when you lose 20 pounds?

Losing 20 pounds can significantly improve your cardiovascular health. It can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels, and decrease the risk of heart disease. Weight loss can help stabilize blood sugar levels, which is particularly beneficial for those with or at risk of diabetes.

Lose 20 pounds in 6 weeks? Dr. Ian Smith explains

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 losing 20 pounds be noticeable?

Yes, 20 pounds (lbs) of weight loss is typically noticeable. However, this may vary depending on an individual's current weight, body composition, and distribution of weight.

Can you notice weight loss in 3 months?

Key takeaways. It may take 4-6 weeks to see initial changes, but the speed of visible results depends on your starting weight, body composition, and how consistently you follow your weight loss plan.

How much weight can I lose in 3 months with Ozempic?

After taking Ozempic® for three months

In a study of 175 people with a mean BMI of 41.3, the average weight loss in people who didn't have type 2 diabetes was 6.3% body weight after taking semaglutide for 12 weeks.

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.

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 many steps do I need to walk to lose 20 pounds?

For losing 20 pounds, increase your daily step count to 14,000 to 16,000 steps, along with healthy eating habits. For more tips, learn how many calories does your body burn at rest.

How to lose belly fat fast?

8 Ways to Lose Belly Fat and Live a Healthier Life
  1. Try curbing carbs instead of fats. ...
  2. Think eating plan, not diet. ...
  3. Keep moving. ...
  4. Lift weights. ...
  5. Become a label reader. ...
  6. Move away from processed foods. ...
  7. Focus on the way your clothes fit more than reading a scale. ...
  8. Hang out with health-focused friends.

What medication is used for weight loss?

What drugs are approved for weight loss?
  • Bupropion-naltrexone (Contrave)
  • Liraglutide (Saxenda)
  • Orlistat (Xenical, Alli)
  • Phentermine-topiramate (Qsymia)
  • Semaglutide (Wegovy)
  • Setmelanotide (Imcivree)

How did Kelly Clarkson lose so much weight?

Some of the ways she's lost weight include walking, eating more protein, and medication to help with how her body processes food. Clarkson started some of these changes to her diet and exercise routines when she moved to New York City, where she hosts "The Kelly Clarkson Show."

What is Ozempic butt?

Some people who use semaglutide (Ozempic, others) have noted sagging skin in the buttocks, calling it “Ozempic butt.” While lifestyle modifications may help prevent this weight loss side effect, a doctor may recommend surgery to treat excess, sagging skin.

What is the most weight lost in a month on Ozempic?

Therefore, in one month, it's reasonable to expect a weight loss of approximately 4 to 8 pounds. Overall, it's essential to consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider before beginning Ozempic or any other weight loss program to determine the most suitable approach for you as well as monitor your progress and safety.

Which body part loses fat first, a woman?

Men's bodies generally respond to dieting by the loss of more weight at their trunk and women typically shed the excess weight from the hips area. The causes of it are related both to hormonal influence and the application of whole-body composition.

Is 20lb weight loss noticeable?

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.

Does drinking water help you lose weight?

Water is more than just a thirst-quencher. It offers various benefits that can aid in weight loss. These include boosting metabolism, suppressing appetite, aiding in detoxification and enhancing exercise performance.

Why do I look the same after losing 20 lbs?

Losing muscle mass: If you are losing weight through dieting or exercise, it's possible that you are losing muscle mass along with fat. This can make you look flabbier and less toned, even if you have lost weight.

Previous article
Can I do IPL laser after Botox?
Next article
Can a beginner use 5kg dumbbells?