How Fast Should You Lose Weight? 1 to 2 Pounds a Week
Last updated October 20, 2026
Short answer: The CDC describes about 1 to 2 pounds a week as a gradual, steady pace, and says people who lose weight that way are more likely to keep it off. In the GLP-1 trials, the average pace over the whole trial was lower, about 0.5 pounds a week on Wegovy and about 0.7 on Zepbound 15 mg, because loss is fastest early and slows toward a plateau.
How long at a steady pace
Enter your weights to see how long different paces would take.
Your numbers
Enter a starting weight and a lower goal weight to see how long each pace would take.
Time to lose 10 to 50 pounds at a steady pace
| Pounds to lose | 0.5 lb/week | 1 lb/week | 1.5 lb/week | 2 lb/week |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 lbs | 20 weeks (4.6 months) | 10 weeks (2.3 months) | 7 weeks (1.5 months) | 5 weeks (1.2 months) |
| 20 lbs | 40 weeks (9.2 months) | 20 weeks (4.6 months) | 13 weeks (3.1 months) | 10 weeks (2.3 months) |
| 30 lbs | 60 weeks (13.8 months) | 30 weeks (6.9 months) | 20 weeks (4.6 months) | 15 weeks (3.5 months) |
| 50 lbs | 100 weeks (23.1 months) | 50 weeks (11.5 months) | 33 weeks (7.7 months) | 25 weeks (5.8 months) |
What the CDC says
The CDC describes a gradual, steady pace as about 1 to 2 pounds a week, and says people who lose weight this way are more likely to keep it off. It also says even modest weight loss can improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. A pace in this range is a general guideline for people losing weight with diet and activity, not a requirement for everyone.
How fast GLP-1 weight loss actually was
Dividing the average total loss by the length of each trial gives an average pace. This is our arithmetic from the numbers in the prescribing labels:
| Trial | Average loss | Length | Average pace |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wegovy 2.4 mg | 14.9% of about 105 kg (about 35 lbs) | 68 weeks | about 0.5 lb/week |
| Zepbound 15 mg | 20.9% of about 106 kg (about 49 lbs) | 72 weeks | about 0.7 lb/week |
That is an average across more than a year. Loss is typically fastest in the first months and slows as it nears a plateau, so the pace early on can be higher than these averages and the pace later is lower. See GLP-1 weight loss plateau for when it slows.
Practical takeaways
- A steady pace is a useful way to set expectations, but your real curve will not be a straight line.
- Percentage of starting weight is a better yardstick than pounds. See the weight loss percentage calculator.
- If you are losing weight much faster than the CDC range, ask a clinician whether that is appropriate for you.
Try the weight loss percentage calculator or the main GLP-1 calculator.
Sources
See a month-by-month estimate that accounts for the slowdown.
Try the Free GLP-1 CalculatorMedical Disclaimer
This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only and does not provide medical advice, diagnose any condition, recommend or prescribe treatment, or guarantee results. Estimates are based on information you provide and published clinical-trial averages. Individual results can vary significantly.
Estimates are based on average outcomes reported in the STEP 1 (semaglutide) and SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide) clinical trials. Individual results can vary significantly and are influenced by factors such as dosage, diet, and adherence.
Do not start, stop, or change any medication based on the results of this calculator. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding medications, treatment options, risks, side effects, and your individual health needs.