Do Individuals With Obesity Lose Weight Faster?

Years of sedentary living and excess food intake gradually make people overweight or obese, but once they control their calorie intake and increase their physical activity, obese individuals can lose weight much faster than their leaner counterparts.

Why Do Individuals With Obesity Lose Weight Faster?

Higher RMR

Your "resting metabolic rate" (RMR) plays a vital role in weight loss. This is the number of calories your body needs to maintain normal physiological functions, such as pumping blood, breathing, etc. People with more muscle mass will burn more calories at rest (1), but those with bigger bodies also burn more calories even when they are inactive as their energy expenditure at maintenance is much higher.

Moving More Mass

The more you weigh, the more calories you burn during activity as you are physically moving more mass around (2). For example, a person who weighs 150 pounds will burn 108 calories by walking one mile at a moderate speed of 3.5 mph. However, a person who weighs 250 pounds can burn up to 150 calories by walking one mile at the same distance and pace. The exact distance and pace can help a 300-pound man burn around 224 calories.

Higher Calorie Expenditure

If you have a calorie deficit of 3,500 a week, you lose one pound. Therefore, obese individuals lose weight faster to a certain point. After a while, it slows down and becomes more difficult to lose weight the closer you come to your goal.

How Much Faster Do Obese People Lose Weight?

Depending upon your activity level and diet changes, you can burn up to 2-4 pounds a week, almost double the normal 1-2 pounds of slightly overweight individuals. It is important to understand the causes of obesity. Once you figure that out, a comprehensive weight management process can help you in your weight loss journey.

This rings true to all the other forms of activity. However, walking is the ideal form of exercise for obese individuals as it is low impact and safe, which would not put so much stress on your joints.

Medical Disclaimer

The information provided by DarioHealth Corp. programs is general in nature and is not meant to replace the advice or care you get from your doctor or other health care professional.

Resources

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK218769/
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/calories-burned-standing#height-and-weight

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