You naturally want to lose weight as fast as possible. But weight loss is only part of the battle. Once you drop pounds, you want to keep it off to preserve your new physique and support your long-term health.
At EMP 180° Weight Loss™, our specialists help people living in and around Vienna, Virginia, and Rockville, Maryland, lose weight at a safe, sustainable rate. Plus, the staff teaches you how to keep those pounds from creeping back on. A safe rate of weight loss varies from person to person, depending on your age, starting size, and your weight loss goals.
What does research show?
Research suggests that losing weight gradually and steadily using sustainable, habit-changing techniques results in the most success. In the first few weeks that you embark on the meal planning and behavioral changes coached by EMP Weight Loss, you may lose weight quickly. People who are obese may drop three to 10 pounds in the first week.* Then as the healthy eating plan continues, weight loss should taper off to just 1-2 pounds per week. On the other hand, people who start out with less weight to lose may shed lower amounts initially, like several pounds in a week, then a half pound or a pound each week thereafter.
The quick drop at the beginning is a nice way to begin, but don’t be discouraged when your weight loss is smaller as you go along. The slower rate of loss is evidence that you’re making small, consistent changes that support a healthy weight for the rest of your life. At EMP Weight Loss, these changes include learning how to navigate the grocery store, plan meals, prepare delicious recipes, make good restaurant choices, and avoid extreme hunger that causes binging.
What is healthy versus unhealthy weight loss?
Unhealthy weight loss is unsustainable. It involves severe deprivation or extreme exercise that you couldn’t keep up for more than a few days, or at most, weeks. The number on the scale might drop quickly with such strategies, but the weight inevitably creeps back on, and you might end up even heavier because you haven’t identified your triggers. It’s important to understand why the weight gain occurred in the first place.
If you’re a petite woman, and settle into a half pound per week loss, that’s probably normal for your body, and you’re getting healthier with each ounce you lose. If you’re changing behaviors, performing exercise you can stick with, and making smart food choices, you’re on the right track.
What influences the ultimate rate of loss?
If you’re following the dietary, physical activity, and behavioral recommendations of our counselors at EMP Weight Loss, you’ll lose weight. Ultimately, the things that determine how fast you drop the weight include:
How much you have to lose: If you have 100 or more pounds to lose, you’ll likely lose at a faster rate than someone who is trying to drop their last 10 or 20 pounds.
How significant the changes are for you: If you subsist on highly-processed, high carb, and sodium-laden foods, changing to a whole foods plan can lead to a dramatic drop in pounds the first couple of weeks due to loss of water weight. If you live a sedentary lifestyle and add even a small amount of physical activity, you’ll lose weight faster at first, too.
How much time you have to commit to weight loss: At EMP Weight Loss, we want to help make losing weight a sustainable process for you. It takes time to exercise and prepare healthy foods, so while these steps are well worth it in the long run, you’ll need to fit them into your lifestyle. Your commitment to the weight loss program delivers results to last a lifetime.
If you’re ready to embark on a journey to a healthier, slimmer you, call our office to set up your consultation.
*Individual results may vary.
Not sure where to start?
Come into EMP180 to begin your weight loss journey. In addition to planning meals and snacks, we can help you explore the reasons behind over-eating and teach you how to manage difficult social occasions. Let’s work on establishing healthy habits that work for you and your lifestyle!
