A proper weight cut involves a gradual, sustainable loss of 0.5-2 pounds (0.2-1 kg) per week, achieved through a moderate calorie deficit (around 500 calories less than you burn), prioritizing high protein intake (1-1.4g per lb of body weight) to preserve muscle, and ensuring adequate fats for hormone function, all while maintaining hydration and balanced nutrition for long-term health. Aggressive cuts over 2 lbs/week risk muscle loss and are unsustainable, so focus on a slow, steady approach.
Aim to lose 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilogram) a week over the long term. To do that, you'll need to burn about 500 to 750 calories more than you take in each day. Losing 5% of your current weight may be a good goal to start with. If you weigh 180 pounds (82 kilograms), that's 9 pounds (4 kilograms).
Things you can do to lose weight
The 3-3-3 rule for weight loss is a simple, habit-based method focusing on three key areas: 3 balanced meals a day, 3 bottles (or ~1.5L) of water by 3 PM, and 3 hours of physical activity per week, aiming for consistency over complex diets. It simplifies fat loss by establishing rhythm through consistent eating, adequate hydration to support metabolism, and regular movement, promoting sustainable health without intense calorie counting or restrictive rules, says Five Diamond Fitness and Wellness, Joon Medical Wellness & Aesthetics, and EatingWell.
According to fitness coach Raj Ganpath, losing 10 kg in 2-3 months is possible but highly unsustainable. He explains that to achieve this, you need a daily calorie deficit of about 1,300, which is extremely difficult to maintain.
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."
Yes, we would always recommend continuing to lift heavy during the cutting phase. Your strength will go down due to lower calories however, you should continue to push on heavy weights for compound exercises. Should I do high reps while cutting? For getting lean, we'd recommend higher reps within sets.
For men, 20% body fat is generally considered in the "acceptable" or "average" range, bordering on "fitness" or slightly overweight, with some extra fat but no clear muscle definition, while for women, 20% is in the "fitness" or "good" category, showing some definition but not overly lean. The term "chubby" is subjective, but at 20% body fat, most people won't look extremely lean, though it's healthy for men and good for women, falling within typical ranges before obesity becomes a concern, say 8fit and InBody USA.
Is 2 kg weight enough to tone arms? It may be enough in the beginning, but as your body increases in strength, you may need heavier weights to keep pace with your body's capacity. The workout should not start feeling too easy, as that means it is losing its effectiveness.
Adele's significant weight loss wasn't from a quick fix but a two-year journey combining intense strength training, Pilates, hiking, boxing, and cardio, alongside major lifestyle changes focused on managing anxiety, not restrictive diets like the Sirtfood Diet, with workouts happening multiple times daily for mental and physical strength. Her routine included morning weights, afternoon hikes or boxing, and evening cardio, emphasizing getting stronger, which naturally led to fat loss and improved well-being.
Losing 5kg (about 11 lbs) in two weeks is possible, especially initially due to water loss, but most health experts recommend a safer, sustainable rate of 0.5-1kg per week, as rapid loss can mean losing muscle, not just fat, and may not be healthy long-term. To achieve faster weight loss, focus on a significant calorie deficit through reduced processed carbs, increased protein/fiber, adequate hydration, and regular exercise, but be aware of potential risks like muscle loss and nutritional deficiencies, and consult a doctor.
What to eat
Adding cardio into a cutting phase is not necessary, however, it can help in that it burns additional calories. In some instances, burning 200 calories more a day may be easier than eating 200 calories less per day.
The 4-4-9 rule is a simple method to estimate food calories: Carbohydrates have 4 calories per gram, Protein has 4 calories per gram, and Fat has 9 calories per gram. To calculate total calories, multiply the grams of each macronutrient by its respective number and add them up, e.g., (grams of carbs x 4) + (grams of protein x 4) + (grams of fat x 9). While useful, it's an approximation, and more precise methods like the Atwater system account for variations in fiber and other factors, leading to slight differences from nutrition labels.
The 70/30 rule in fitness suggests that 70% of your physical results (especially weight loss and body composition) come from nutrition and diet, while only 30% comes from exercise (gym workouts), emphasizing that what you eat is far more crucial for changing your physique than just working out, though both are important for overall health and muscle building. It highlights that while the gym breaks down muscles (the 30% effort), the kitchen (the 70%) provides the essential fuel, protein, and rest for them to repair and grow stronger.
Can you see abs at 20% body fat? For most men, abdominal muscles are not clearly visible at 20% body fat, though individuals with exceptionally developed abdominal muscles or favorable fat distribution might show slight upper abdominal definition.
Sleep deprivation has long been linked to an increased risk of becoming overweight or obese. Researchers found that getting less than seven hours of sleep resulted in weight changes and may lead to weight gain, either by increasing food intake or decreasing energy burned.
The "5 5 5 30 rule" is a popular, simple morning workout routine popularized by Sahil Bloom, involving 5 push-ups, 5 squats, 5 lunges (per leg), and a 30-second plank done immediately after waking up to build energy, focus, and consistency by kickstarting metabolism and getting blood flowing with minimal time and no equipment. It's designed to overcome inertia, boost physical and mental readiness for the day, and serve as a foundation for better habits, making it ideal for beginners or those needing a quick start.
To burn 1000 calories through exercise, engage in activities like running, high-intensity interval training, rowing, using the elliptical machine, cycling, using the vertical climber, or jumping rope.
Curious about how long should a cut last? Discover the ideal duration for cutting phases, typically 2-4 months, to effectively lose fat while maintaining muscle.
The 30-30-30 rule for weight loss is a simple morning routine: eat 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking, then do 30 minutes of low-intensity cardio (like a brisk walk) to help with fat loss and appetite control, according to this article from Moshy. Popularized by Tim Ferriss and wellness podcaster Gary Brecka, this method aims to kickstart your metabolism, increase fullness, and burn fat by leveraging your body's depleted glycogen stores after sleep, but it's not a magic bullet and works best as part of a balanced lifestyle, note Healthline and this article from bodyandsoul.com.au.
Adele lost significant weight over two years through intense, consistent exercise (strength training, Pilates, hiking, boxing) and focusing on nutrition, driven by managing anxiety, rather than a specific diet, though she denied intermittent fasting or the Sirtfood diet despite reports. She worked with trainers, built muscle through weights, and exercised multiple times a day, prioritizing overall strength and well-being, not just weight loss, and stressed the importance of mental health in her journey, according to People.com and Vogue.
Some causes of unintentional weight loss include: mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, eating disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) problems with digestion, such as coeliac disease or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) hormone conditions, such as an overactive thyroid or type 1 diabetes.