Skip to content

FREE Shipping (US only) on all orders of $50 or more | Contact us at support@nordiclifting.com or call us +1 (702) 500-1498

How Long Does It Take To Notice Weight Loss?

How long does it take to notice weight loss? There are several factors to consider before you notice weight loss in yourself or even others.

Those with larger bodies should normally expect to see results sooner, particularly when starting a weight-loss plan. It could take as little as a week to detect weight loss, depending on your lifestyle and nutritional intake.

According to Taub-Dix, there is no single weight-loss time frame. However, most people see some favorable outcomes after just a few weeks of dieting. Bonnie Taub-Dix, MA, RDN, CDN, is a journalist, media personality, motivational speaker, and corporate and brand consultant. She is the author of Read It Before You Eat It: Taking You from Label to Table, as well as the creator of the BetterThanDieting.com website and blog.

If you need vigorous weight loss of at least 100lb, you will experience many ups and downs. Bloat, water retention, sodium, and carbohydrate consumption can affect the reading on the scale by a few pounds.

A picture of a fit woman comparing her old and new abdomen sizes

How long does it take to notice weight loss? Most people, though, will have to wait a little longer. The amount of time it takes to observe weight loss is determined by several factors. 

Stages of Weight Loss

There are two stages of noticing weight loss; the initial stage is rapid weight loss, and the succeeding stage and the final stage is slow weight loss.

Rapid Weight Loss

When you lose the most weight and notice changes in your appearance and how your clothes fit, you are in the first stage of weight loss. The first stage of weight loss is when weight loss progresses significantly during this period. This stage usually lasts for the first 4 to 6 weeks of your weight loss journey.

There are several factors that determine the amount of weight you lose during this initial stage. One of the biggest factors that affects your weight loss is your starting weight. If you begin with more weight, your weight loss will be drastically and obviously noticed. 

People who follow a low carb or keto diet lose weight faster than those who follow a low-fat diet. They are able to deplete your body's glucose and water resources faster. You will notice a significant difference in your weight and how your clothes fit as time goes on.

Your consistency will also determine how fast you will be able to lose weight. You don’t have to spend so much time doing gym workouts. Sticking to a consistent and regular workout plan will greatly help in achieving your ideal weight. You can actually do routine exercises even at home by using home gym equipment such as kettlebells, wall balls, battle ropes, and many more. 

Moderate Weight Loss

The second stage of weight loss is slower, but it predominantly originates from body fat and happens after 6 weeks and beyond. You will notice that, despite your best efforts, you tend to lose weight at a slower rate after the initial stage.

You suffer from a weight loss plateau where you lose little or no weight. They are more typically caused by people who are following extremely strict weight loss regimens that are difficult to follow.

Your metabolism may change as your body adjusts to your new diet and exercise program. This implies you'll burn fewer calories in the second stage than you did in the first.

A happy woman in white sportswear steps on a weighting scale

Body Stages of Weight Loss

You should keep in mind that any healthy and proper diet will have an effect on the body over time. If you're dieting, losing weight will not happen overnight. You will have to undergo different body stages of weight loss before achieving your fitness goals.

The first stage that your body goes through when you start your weight loss journey is "burning glycogen and extra water". Our liver and muscles contain glycogen, a type of energy storage ready to deliver energy throughout the body. When a person starts a diet regimen and reduces their calorie intake, the body begins to burn the glycogen stored in the liver as well as a tiny amount of glycogen stored in the muscles. It will not fully deplete your glycogen stores as long as you don't deprive your body of nutrients and you exercise regularly. 

During this stage, you will experience the process called "eliminating extra water" from your body. You will feel a lot better and notice that your weight has already changed, but this can be dangerous as well because of the risk of dehydration. It is recommended to drink at least 3 liters of water daily to compensate for what was lost from the stored water. 

Fat loss and muscle growth is the second stage involved in the body's stages of weight-loss. This stage might be the hardest, but also the most rewarding. Your body shifts from burning glycogen and removing water to burning fat and gaining muscle. You will feel extremely hungry during this period, so make sure that you eat only nutritious snacks. You will begin to feel that your clothes have become looser, and your body appears thinner. 

The third stage you will undergo is called "weight stabilization and rapid fat burning." This stage might be a bit frustrating, but it is healthy for you as well. You lose weight continually during the first and second stages. This period serves as your breather to regain energy that you lost. Experts advise that you should eat a well-balanced diet at this stage.

Last but not least stage is the “Metabolic process recovery.” As your metabolism is restored, your body will rehydrate and replenish its glycogen stores. Just stick to what you have been doing since the beginning, even if you notice some weight gain. Do not worry, because after a period, the body will begin to process what is going on and you will lose more weight again.

Key Takeaways

How long does it take to notice weight loss? The answer will depend on a number of factors, as I mentioned a while ago. So, if you're curious about how long it takes to see weight-loss effects, the answer isn't quite clear.

How long does each stage of weight loss last during dieting? In reality, there is no set time limit for each level. These include, among other things, the nutrition you follow, the physical effort you put in, and your body's health and hormonal balance. There is no set duration because no two bodies are the same.

To achieve your goals faster, you have to set reasonable goals, track your food intake, and develop mindful eating habits. This can help you acquire control over your eating habits while also encouraging self-awareness and happiness. Also, give yourself adequate time to recuperate and don't push yourself past your limits.

Back to blog