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Being 40 lbs overweight puts women at meaningfully elevated risk for cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and joint problems. A structured approach with moderate calorie deficit and regular exercise can reverse many of these risk factors. Medical guidance is recommended before starting an exercise program.
40
lbs to lose
1.3
lbs/week
7.2
months
1,390
cal/day target
Daily deficit
650 cal/day
Target calories
1,390 cal/day
Weekly loss rate
1.3 lbs/week
Time to goal
31 weeks (7.2 months)
140g
protein
43g
fat
110g
carbs
For women 40 lbs overweight: Start with a 500 cal/day deficit for the first 4 weeks, then increase to 650. Begin with low-impact exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) to protect joints. Add resistance training as conditioning improves. Consider working with a registered dietitian for the first month. Focus on building sustainable habits rather than speed.
Start with walking (20-30 min, gradually increasing). Swimming and water aerobics are joint-friendly. Begin resistance training with machines or bodyweight exercises. Avoid running and jumping until significant weight is lost. Focus on consistency over intensity.
Aim for 140g of protein daily (about 0.8g per pound of current body weight). High protein during weight loss preserves muscle mass, keeps you full longer, and has a higher thermic effect (your body burns more calories digesting protein). Spread intake across 3-4 meals.
Loose skin is unlikely after losing 40 lbs. At this amount of weight loss, skin typically retracts fully within 6-12 months. Factors that help: lose weight slowly (1-1.5 lbs/week), stay hydrated, maintain muscle through resistance training, and eat adequate protein.
Yes. Weight loss is primarily driven by calorie deficit, not exercise. You can lose 40 lbs through dietary changes alone at 1.3 lbs/week. However, exercise preserves muscle mass during weight loss, improves health markers independently of weight, and makes maintenance easier. If you can exercise, you should.
Being 40 lbs overweight typically results from a sustained calorie surplus of 192 calories per day over time. This is not a moral failing. It can result from lifestyle changes, stress eating, medication side effects, hormonal shifts, sedentary work, or simply not knowing your calorie needs. The cause matters less than the solution.
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