Results vary depending upon the sex of the patient as well as the starting weight. Men usually lose faster due to their larger muscle mass. Usually the greatest loss is in the very beginning, sometimes as much as 10 – 20 pounds in the first week; ( of course, most of that is water!) A more realistic amount is 2-4 pounds per week.
The smaller the body becomes, the slower the weight loss. That is the reason the last 10 pounds is always so frustrating! Many times, after 25-30 pounds, a plateau will be reached, causing much frustration. Coaching and keeping the patients’ eye on the target are critical at this point. A body mass index will be performed monthly to make sure that the patient is losing fat, rather than muscle mass. Slow and steady is the safest, most long lasting way to lose weight.