Why It’s Harder to Lose 10 Pounds Than 50

Have you ever noticed that when it comes to weight loss, people who have large amounts of weight tend to slim down faster than those who are less overweight? This has to do with metabolism and how the body stores and sheds excess fat in response to exercise. Those with more weight to lose are likely to notice a significant weight loss when they start a diet and exercise program, while someone with less weight to lose may have to work harder to burn their extra 10 pounds.

Principles of Weight Loss

Calories consumed have to be less than the calories burned to promote weight loss. People lose weight when they decrease the calories they eat while also burning more through exercise.

Consequently, every 3,500 calories burned through activity will result in losing one pound of fat. A 1,000-calorie deficit daily will result in a two-pound loss per week. Every person’s body is unique, and dietary factors are just one part of the weight-loss equation. Our team aims to make weight loss accessible, personalized, and effective through tailored plans.

The Mass Factor

The more a person weighs, the more calories they will burn in each activity as they have to propel a greater mass.

As a good example, consider that a 150-pound person walking at 3 mph for 60 minutes will burn about 236 calories. Therefore, it would take two weeks of hour-long daily walks to equate to a one-pound loss. Comparatively, a 250-pound person completing a 60-minute, 3-mph walk will burn 393 calories, so they would lose 1.7 pounds in the same time.

Higher Basal Metabolism

Another reason it’s easier to lose 50 pounds than 10 has to do with the basal metabolic rate or BMR. This is the amount of calories it takes to maintain the body throughout the day while at rest. Bigger bodies have a higher maintenance cost. Therefore, they will have a greater calorie deficit than a lighter person simply due to their size and that BMR.

Find Your Weight Loss

At Personalized Care NP, we believe that every person’s weight loss journey deserves support. Please contact us today to learn more about how we can help you reach a healthier weight and embrace wellness in every aspect of your life. Our telehealth services are currently available to residents of New York, New Hampshire, Tennessee, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, and Utah.