What weight loss is considered “healthy”?
Its natural, when embarking on a weight loss journey we want it to happen QUICKLY. However, there is such a thing considered healthy weight loss. Healthy weight loss is 1 to 2 pounds a week. One pound of fat contains 3,500 calories. Mathematically speaking, if you want to lose one pound a week, you’ll need to burn 500 more calories than you eat every day. Ex: 500 calories x 7 days = 3,500 calories.
What would happen if I lost weight the “unhealthy” way?
Losing weight too quickly, can have several negative side effects. A common side effect is the inability to maintain the loss. Some side effects also have the potential to fall further down a rabbit hole with dangerous results. Some of which are change in metabolism (slowing it down), muscle loss instead of fat, dehydration, binge eating, nutrient deficient, and mental health (anorexia, bulimia, and body dysmorphia).
Body mass index (BMI) vs. Body Fat:
BMI: is a person’s weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters.
What does knowing my BMI tell me?
The higher the BMI generally indicates a high body fat. However, it does not “diagnose” a level of health.
Body Fat:
Body fat is exactly as its sounds-fat. However, there are levels of fat your body needs. Essential is necessary to maintain life and reproductive functions.
| Body Fat Percentage | ||
| Category | Men | Women |
| Essential Fat | 2-5 % | 10-13% |
| Athlete | 6-13% | 14-20% |
| Fitness | 14-17% | 21-24% |
| Acceptable | 18-24% | 25-31% |
| Obese | over 25% | over 32% |