How Much Weight Can You Lose in a Month?

Last updated October 27, 2026

Short answer: At the CDC's steady pace of 1 to 2 pounds a week, a month of weight loss is about 4 to 9 pounds. On a GLP-1, our model, built from the trial averages, puts the first month at roughly 4 to 6 pounds for someone starting at 200, with most of the total loss still ahead. Your own results will vary, and a single month is too short to judge a trend.

At a steady pace

These are simple multiplications of the CDC's 1 to 2 pounds a week. Real weight loss is rarely a straight line.

On a GLP-1, according to our model

Our calculator follows an approach-to-plateau curve built from the average results in the STEP 1 (semaglutide) and SURMOUNT-1 (tirzepatide) trials. This table shows the estimated total weight lost by the end of each month, in pounds, rounded. It is a smoothed average for illustration, not a prediction.

Semaglutide model

Tirzepatide model

Both medications are started at a low dose and raised in steps, so the first month is not at the full maintenance dose. The trial averages are measured after about 68 to 72 weeks, and the model places a little over a third of the eventual loss at month 3. See the plateau guide and how the calculator works.

What one month can and cannot tell you

• A month is too short to know your own pace. The trials report results over 56 to 72 weeks.
• Many things affect the number on the scale from day to day. Compare the same time of day, and look at trends over several weeks.
• If you are losing much faster than 2 pounds a week, ask a clinician whether that pace is appropriate. See how to lose weight fast, safely.

Related: how fast to lose weight, lose weight fast, safely and weight loss by date calculator.