Is losing 20 lbs noticeable?

Author: Javon Greenfelder  |  Last update: Saturday, January 17, 2026

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.

Does losing 20 pounds make a big difference?

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.

Will anyone notice if I lose 20 pounds?

It's hard for anyone to see weight loss, especially if they see us every day. Changes from 10 or 20 pounds are subtle, for people with a substantial amount of weight to lose. It may not be visible to others until you lose the first 30-40 pounds, but after that the losses will become more noticeable.

How much weight do you lose before it's noticeable?

Losing about 5% of your body weight is often when visible changes become noticeable.

Is losing 20 pounds noticeable in the face?

The amount of fat you lose will also affect whether or not your face changes. If you only need to lose 20 pounds, you probably don't have enough excess weight to cause a noticeable stretch to your skin.

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Will I look better if I lose 20 pounds?

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.

How much weight do you need to lose to go down a size?

The rule of thumb, Fernstrom says, is that losing 8 to 10 pounds translates to going down one size. Still, if you lose "up to 15 pounds, you may be OK in your old size," she says. But putting off buying new clothes until you really need them doesn't work for everyone.

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.

What is the whoosh effect?

Summary. The “whoosh effect” is a term for the noticeable weight loss that some people report while following low carb diets such as a keto diet. Some people believe that the whoosh effect happens when fat cells lose fat and fill with water. Researchers have not scientifically proven the whoosh effect, however.

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.

What is a realistic timeline to 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.

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 come I lost 20 pounds but still look the same?

When we begin to lose fat, it doesn't just decrease in one area — fat all over the body begins to slowly melt away, so initially, even though you're losing weight and fat, you may not see or feel much change.

Is losing 20 pounds an accomplishment?

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.

Where does fat go when you lose weight?

As your body metabolizes fat, fatty acid molecules are released into the bloodstream and travel to the heart, lungs, and muscles, which break them apart and use the energy stored in their chemical bonds. The pounds you shed are essentially the byproducts of that process.

Does fat get more jiggly as you lose weight?

When you are in a caloric deficit your body takes the fatty acids that are in your fat cells, and replaces it with water. This stage is what you are experiencing , causing your body fat to be more jiggly & droopy than before. But this too will pass, if you atay course.

How do you know a whoosh is coming?

You Feel Like You're Looking Worse

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. This is what's known as the whoosh, and it's the moment that you actually feel smaller and more fit.

How long does it take for skin to tighten after weight loss?

The time it takes for your skin to tighten after weight loss varies depending on several factors, including age, genetics, and the amount of weight you've lost. While your skin may continue to tighten gradually over 6 to 12 months, many individuals need additional help to achieve the desired results.

What part of the body is hardest to lose fat?

Belly fat, especially stubborn lower belly fat, is one of the most persistent types of fat to lose. Many people struggle with it for months or even years, despite trying different diets, exercises, and weight-loss techniques. Understanding why belly fat is the hardest to lose is essential to overcoming this challenge.

How much weight loss before people notice?

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.

What is the paper towel effect?

When you are heavy, you are big around. And when you are big around, that fat is spread over a MUCH larger area - just like that outside towel sheet. The closer you get to the lean you, the more each lost pound of fat shows, because it is spread over a smaller area.

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