In this guide, we are referring to “losing a large amount of weight” as dropping fifty pounds or more, or at least a third of the average body weight for your height. But whether you lose fifty pounds or a hundred, the things you can expect are almost the same.
Regardless if you are just about to start your weight loss journey or are already in the process of shedding off those extra pounds, here are some things to expect that can help you with your weight loss journey:
1. You will lose weight rapidly at first.
For many overweight and obese people, weight loss occurs at a rapid rate in the first few weeks or months, especially if you hire personal training services. This is because the more excess weight that a person holds, the faster they will lose it once they start eating less and exercising.
The recommended rate of weight loss is one to two pounds per week, but this is primarily for average-sized people. If you are losing more weight than one to two pounds a week, it is not likely a cause for concern because you are carrying excess weight. Nevertheless, it is best to monitor your progress with a doctor or a licensed nutritionist to ensure that you are not losing too much.
2. You will still need to go to the doctor.
Just because you are losing weight and becoming “healthier” does not mean you shouldn’t go to the doctor for regular check-ups during your weight loss journey. Having a lot of excess weight makes you more susceptible to certain diseases, such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease. These risks may not go away even after you start shedding off extra pounds.
As you lose weight, go to your primary care doctor for regular assessments to ensure that you are losing weight safely. Moreover, they can tell you if your risk of weight-related diseases is decreasing, which can be a great motivator for you.
3. It is not going to be easy.
If weight loss is easy, then everyone would be thin. Unfortunately, it is not, especially if you are overweight or obese.
The more weight you carry, the harder it is to move. You would have to exert more energy to exercise, and may even experience a lot more pain than the average person. Moreover, if you are used to eating a diet high in calories, sugars, fats, and salt, you may have a hard time switching to a more balanced diet.
Nevertheless, the difficulties are always worth it in the end. Remember that weight loss is hardest on the first day, but it will get easier as you go along. Having professionals to help you, such as a nutritionist or a personal trainer, can also help significantly.
4. You will have a different taste in food.
Yes, chips and cake will still taste good during and after you lose a lot of weight, but you may have fewer cravings for them. This is because too much excess weight can dull the sense of taste, which is also one of the reasons why overweight and obese people tend to prefer salty, sugary, and fatty foods because these have stronger tastes.
Hence, once you lose a large amount of weight, the desire to eat more healthily will come naturally. Better yet, the unhealthy foods that you liked to eat before may not taste as good after your weight loss.
5. There may be a lot of loose skin.
Not all people who lose large amounts of weight will have loose skin afterward. But for dramatic weight loss, such as a hundred pounds or more, loose skin is very common. The reason for this is that the skin stretches with excess weight, and it may not snap back after the weight is lost. The good news? There are several ways to address loose skin, such as using firming creams, conducting resistance training, taking collagen, and in extreme cases—undergoing skin removal surgery.
6. You will experience a lot of health benefits
One of the most important effects of losing a large amount of weight is having a lower risk of obesity-related diseases. More than that, you will also have better sleep, better libido, and better overall quality of health—both physical and mental.
Losing a large amount of weight is a feat that anybody can do, but it does come with certain challenges. By knowing what to expect during and after your weight loss journey, you can better be able to adjust your weight loss practices depending on your goals and capabilities.