How Long to Go from 18% to 15% Body Fat (Male)
How long does it take a man to go from 18% to 15% body fat? See timelines for all 6 deficit levels, calorie targets, weekly projections, and the recommended approach.
Last updated: February 15, 2026
Transition Overview
Starting Body Fat
18%
Target Body Fat
15%
Fat to Lose
5.4 lbs
Difficulty
Recommended Approach
30% Fast Deficit
What Changes Visually
Flat stomach but limited ab visibility. Muscle shape visible in arms and shoulders. Healthy, fit appearance without sharp definition.
Upper abs visible, some lower ab definition. Athletic build with visible muscle shape in arms and chest. Some vascularity in forearms.
Timeline by Deficit Level
How long it takes to go from 18% to 15% body fat at each deficit level. The recommended deficit is highlighted.
| Deficit | Difficulty | Weeks | Daily Calories | Weekly Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15% Gentle | Easy | ~6 | 2,393 | 0.84 lbs |
| 20% Moderate | Easy | ~5 | 2,252 | 1.13 lbs |
| 25% Effective | Moderate | ~4 | 2,111 | 1.41 lbs |
| 30% FastRecommended | Hard | ~3 | 1,970 | 1.69 lbs |
| 35% Intense | Very Hard | ~3 | 1,830 | 1.97 lbs |
| 40% Extreme | Extreme | ~2 | 1,689 | 2.25 lbs |
Best Approach
A 3 percentage point drop is a short cut. For most men, a 20-25% deficit (Moderate to Effective) for 6-10 weeks handles this comfortably. Start with the Moderate 20% deficit if this is your first cut. Move to 25% if you are experienced and want to finish faster.
Weekly Projections (30% Fast Deficit)
| Week | Weight | Body Fat % | Fat Mass | Lean Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 180 lbs | 18% | 32.4 lbs | 147.6 lbs |
| Week 1 | 178.3 lbs | 17.4% | 31 lbs | 147.3 lbs |
| Week 2 | 176.6 lbs | 16.7% | 29.5 lbs | 147.1 lbs |
| Week 3 | 174.9 lbs | 16.1% | 28.1 lbs | 146.8 lbs |
Muscle Retention Strategy
Keep protein at 1g per lb of lean body mass. Maintain your training intensity and volume. At this short duration, muscle loss is negligible with proper nutrition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose muscle going from 18% to 15% body fat?
Minimal muscle loss if you maintain protein intake (1g per lb lean mass) and keep training intensity high. A short cut like this preserves muscle well.
Should I use a more aggressive deficit to get there faster?
You can. A 30% deficit cuts the timeline nearly in half. But for most people, the moderate approach is more sustainable and results in less muscle loss. Speed is less important than finishing the cut successfully.
What will I look like at 15% body fat?
Check the FitCommit Body Fat Guide for a detailed visual reference and body composition breakdown at 15% body fat.
How many calories should I eat to go from 18% to 15%?
At the recommended 30% deficit, a 5'10", 180 lb man would eat approximately 1970 calories per day. Your exact number depends on your weight, height, and activity level. Use FitCommit to calculate your personal target.
Related Pages
Track Your Body Fat Transition with FitCommit
AI body scan from your phone camera. Get your body fat percentage, calorie targets, and macro split in 60 seconds. Free 7-day trial.
Try FitCommit FreeRelated Guides
Body Fat Guide
Visual reference for every body fat percentage (0-100%) for men and women
Cutting Guide
6 deficit levels with timelines and calorie targets for fat loss phases
Bulking Guide
3 surplus levels with timelines and calorie targets for muscle gain phases
Weight Loss Timeline
Exact timelines for losing 5, 10, 20, 50, or 100 pounds at different deficit levels
Calorie Guide
Understand deficit and surplus percentages with TDEE calculations