How Long to Go from 22% to 18% Body Fat (Female)
How long does it take a woman to go from 22% to 18% 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
22%
Target Body Fat
18%
Fat to Lose
6 lbs
Difficulty
Recommended Approach
25% Effective Deficit
What Changes Visually
Toned and lean with visible muscle shape. Stomach is flat with minimal softness. Athletic build with clear definition in arms and shoulders.
Very lean and athletic with visible muscle definition. Abs may be partially visible. Low body fat for a woman, typical of fitness competitors.
Timeline by Deficit Level
How long it takes to go from 22% to 18% body fat at each deficit level. The recommended deficit is highlighted.
| Deficit | Difficulty | Weeks | Daily Calories | Weekly Loss |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15% Gentle | Easy | ~8 | 1,997 | 0.71 lbs |
| 20% Moderate | Easy | ~6 | 1,880 | 0.94 lbs |
| 25% EffectiveRecommended | Moderate | ~5 | 1,762 | 1.18 lbs |
| 30% Fast | Hard | ~4 | 1,645 | 1.41 lbs |
| 35% Intense | Very Hard | ~4 | 1,527 | 1.65 lbs |
| 40% Extreme | Extreme | ~3 | 1,410 | 1.88 lbs |
Best Approach
A 4 percentage point drop is a short cut. For most women, 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 (25% Effective Deficit)
| Week | Weight | Body Fat % | Fat Mass | Lean Mass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 150 lbs | 22% | 33 lbs | 117 lbs |
| Week 1 | 148.8 lbs | 21.5% | 32 lbs | 116.8 lbs |
| Week 2 | 147.7 lbs | 21% | 31 lbs | 116.6 lbs |
| Week 3 | 146.5 lbs | 20.5% | 30 lbs | 116.5 lbs |
| Week 4 | 145.3 lbs | 20% | 29 lbs | 116.3 lbs |
| Week 5 | 144.1 lbs | 19.4% | 28 lbs | 116.1 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
How much fat do I need to lose to go from 22% to 18%?
A 5'5", 150 lb woman needs to lose approximately 6 lbs of fat to go from 22% to 18% body fat.
Will I lose muscle going from 22% to 18% 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 18% body fat?
Check the FitCommit Body Fat Guide for a detailed visual reference and body composition breakdown at 18% body fat.
Related Pages
Track Your Body Fat Transition with FitCommit
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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