That said, generally speaking, the heavier you are the easier it is to shed those first few fat pounds simply because you can eat more than a lighter person (the heavier you are the more calories you burn). Example: because there are 3,500 calories in a pound of body fat, a 250 lb person that maintains body weight by consuming ~4,000 calories per day and wants to lose 3 pounds per week, would need to consume ~2,500 calories per day. This translates to a 1,500 daily calorie deficit.
If a smaller, 150 lb person maintains their weight by eating ~2,500 calories per day and wants to lose the same 3 pounds per week, they would only be able to consume 1000 calories a day, which would be miserable for most. Eventually, as this 150 pounder loses weight, their new maintenance calories would also be lower, making it extremely difficult to create a deficit of this size. So, weight loss happens at a much slower rate.
None of the above changes the fact that the rate of weight loss is solely determined by the calorie deficit because this 150 lb person could add exercise so they too could burn 4000 calories per day. This would allow them to eat 2,500 calories a day and still lose 3 pounds per week. So keep in mind, the leaner you get the more work and diligence it takes to lose weight. It’s much more comfortable to lose weight at a slower pace.
Yes, heavier people lose weight faster than lighter people do. Physics dictates that a heavier object moved an equal distance, or an equal weight object moved a greater distance will require more work to be accomplished. Work is energy. Much like a larger vehicle is less fuel efficient merely due to being larger, and larger person will burn more calories due to their added size. If a 200lbs person and a 150lbs both exercise for 30 minutes at the same intensity the 200lbs person will burn more calories, and if both persons consume 500 fewer calories a day, then the heavier person will at first lose more weight. When losing weight it’s important not to focus on the success of others but only to measure your progress based solely on yourself.
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Important: This content reflects information from various individuals and organizations and may offer alternative or opposing points of view. It should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. As always, you should consult with your healthcare provider about your specific health needs.