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    Beti Prosheva

    Last Updated: Jan 23, 2025
    How To Lose 10 Pounds in a Week in Safe and Effective Ways

    Feeling blue about your weight and wishing you could shed those extra pounds quickly? You might be wondering if it’s possible to learn how to lose 10 pounds in a week without compromising your health.

    From proper hydration to the right supplementation, there are many factors at play. In this article, we will explore realistic, safe ways to achieve rapid weight loss, such as dieting, exercising, and taking weight loss supplements. Discover the benefits and possible side effects of lowering your weight in a short time. Let’s begin!

    Overview: How To Lose 10 Pounds in a Week

    If you’re aiming to shed 10 pounds in a single week, don’t stick to only one thing. It takes a well-rounded, multi-faceted approach to get there fast.

    The main strategies, which we’ll discuss in detail below, can be easily categorized into the following groups:

    • Proper hydration
    • Weight training and cardio exercise
    • Diet adjustments (calorie restriction, macro and micronutrient balance, and meal timing)
    • Lifestyle changes (improving sleep, managing stress, and overall being)

    Is It Realistic To Lose 10 Pounds in a Week?

    Losing 10 pounds in one week is achievable, but is it healthy? It largely depends on various factors, like your metabolism, level of physical activity, health status, and consistency. Here are some of the key aspects related to fast weight loss:

    Temporary vs. Permanent Weight Loss

    In most cases, in such a short period, the body primarily gets rid of glycogen, the accumulated extra water (or water weight), and reorganizes the gut content.

    So, one’s body could shed 6-8 pounds by losing that content. However, those 6-8 pounds are only 1-2 pounds of actual fat loss. This is why many searches on how to lose 10 pounds in a week for a woman or a man often focus on temporary methods that lead to quick, but not long-lasting, results. You can easily regain the weight in a week when you start eating normally again.

    On the other hand, permanent weight loss is something else. Its goal is to reduce body fat by putting the body in a state of calorie deficit. A consistent workout routine and a well-balanced diet plan play a crucial role if you’re aiming for long-term results.

    How fast can I realistically lose 10 pounds? The caloric deficit state requires longer than just 10 days, and it potentially results in shedding 1-2 pounds a week. This is more sustainable than instant shredding and, most importantly, much healthier as well.

    Even though instant results can be tempting, they’re nearly never permanent. Yet, it’s worth mentioning that temporary weight loss can be a head start, possibly leading to permanent weight loss with a lot of dedication and consistency [1].

    The Role of Diet vs. Exercise

    Diet and exercise are the main elements of weight loss, and they go hand in hand. So, anyone learning how to lose 10 pounds in a week should be willing to do both.

    Diet

    People often consider it the primary driver of the weight loss journey. After all, it’s the cornerstone of a calorie deficit state, which involves consuming slightly less food than the body requires.

    Eating low-calorie foods—like lean proteins, veggies, and healthy fats, and most importantly, swapping processed snacks for whole foods through meal prep ideas—promotes a caloric deficit so that one can lose weight effectively.

    Exercise

    Physical activity may increase the rate of calorie burn and prevent muscle mass loss. Cardio can be effective for burning calories, while strength training helps build solid muscles. Balancing them evenly, along with a fitting diet, is likely to lead to long-term results [2].

    Key Factors To Consider

    Here are a few crucial factors that determine how much weight you can shed during a 7-day period:

    Metabolism

    Some people have a higher metabolic rate than others. That’s all due to certain factors such as genetics and muscle mass. An individual with a fast metabolism is likely to experience more efficient weight loss than an average person with a slower metabolism.

    That means that an average person will need to take calorie intake to a minimum, focus on calorie tracking, and put more effort into the weight loss journey.

    Level of Activity

    Higher physical activity can help you lower your body weight. So, anyone wondering how to lose 10 pounds in a week using exercise should keep in mind that walking 10,000 steps per day can significantly boost weight loss [3]. So does climbing stairs, riding a bicycle, jumping rope, and more.

    Health Factors

    Your health status will also affect how fast or slow you could drop those excess pounds. For example, someone who is fairly healthy is more likely to lose weight more quickly. In contrast, those with health issues like endocrine diseases, hypothyroidism, and depression might find it harder to shed pounds [4].

    Considering these three key factors can help you set realistic fitness goals and tweak your strategies for better results.

    Top Strategies for Losing 10 Pounds in a Week

    There are many approaches for fast weight loss, but if you’re wondering how to lose 10 pounds in a week using specific strategies, here are some of the well-known ones:

    Top Strategies for Losing 10 Pounds in a Week

    Intermittent Fasting

    Intermittent fasting can be a helpful method for losing weight, but shedding 10 pounds in 7 days of fasting can be quite ambitious and challenging. This type of fasting involves periods of fasting and eating and repeating them in a cycle.

    The 16/8 method—which involves eating for 8 hours of the day and fasting for the other 2/3 of the day—is the most popular form of intermittent fasting. Another technique is the 5:2 method, which means eating 5 days like one usually eats and 2 days of restricting up to 500-600 calories daily.

    For better results, it’s recommended to combine intermittent fasting with nutrient-dense foods and a lot of water intake to avoid nutrient deficiencies [5] [6].

    Military Diet

    This short-term, low-calorie plan is designed for speedy weight loss, incorporating a strict selection of food and radical portion control. It’s an interesting alternative for anyone who’s on the lookout for how to lose 10 pounds in a week at home or anywhere else.

    The common Military Diet meal plan menu consists of eggs, grapefruit, low-calorie foods combined with tuna, and other similar options. It’s worth mentioning that this type of diet is not meant for a long-term regimen; it is typically meant to be followed for a couple of days.

    The Military Diet is a go-to diet for instant water weight loss (but temporary). For long-lasting results, it’s recommended that the person transition to a balanced, nutrient-dense meal plan right after the military diet [7].

    High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)

    Curious to know how to lose 10 pounds in a week with exercise? High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) is a well-known workout style that switches between intense bursts of activity and very short recovery periods. Some programs don’t include recovery periods but lower-intensity exercises.

    A typical HIIT program combines high-energy cardio exercises like running, cycling, or jumping rope with strength-building moves, including dips, pull-ups, or dumbbell exercises. This blend is potentially effective as it keeps both the heart and muscles working overtime.

    The following regimen is a simple HIIT session: sprinting for 30 seconds, followed by walking for 1 minute, and repeating this cycle for 20–30 minutes. This type of training doesn’t just burn fat during the workout; it revs up your metabolism, keeping the fat-burning engine running long after you’re done.

    It’s no wonder that athletes, including weightlifters, wrestlers, runners, and other sports enthusiasts, like HIIT workouts. Jumping on the HIIT bandwagon might be a practical idea if you’re searching for how to lose 10 pounds in a week for wrestling or other sports [8].

    Resistance Training and Cardio

    This specific combo of resistance training and cardio sessions encourages rapid weight loss while preserving muscle mass. It’s a viable option for those who are interested to know how to lose 10 pounds in a week without dieting.

    The resistance training on one side (lifting weights, using resistance bands, and body weight workouts) and cardio exercises on the other (running, swimming, cycling, and jumping rope) create a fitness routine that will lead to good outcomes when it comes to fast weight loss.

    If you’re determined to learn how to lose 10 pounds in a week using workout combos, you should aim for 3 strength training sessions and 2-3 cardio sessions weekly [9].

    Increasing Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis

    NEAT stands for non-exercise activity thermogenesis, which is halfway self-explanatory. It involves burning calories through daily activities that don’t fall in the category of regular exercise.

    NEAT includes walking, cleaning, physical labor involving lifting, chopping wood, household repairs, and similar tasks. Also, simple activities such as walking while taking a phone call, taking the stairs, going everywhere on foot, and other similar activities can add up over time.

    People with busy lifestyles who can’t spend much time in the gym can increase their NEAT habits, which can help them lose weight [10].

    Sleep and Stress Management

    Having poor sleep and stressful days is something that many people struggle with nowadays. However, increased cortisol levels can cause a lot of difficulty in the journey of losing weight [11], and that’s all due to poor sleep and high stress levels.

    People should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep, and not just here and there, but every night. That allows the body to refresh, fully recover and regulate the hormones, including leptin and ghrelin, which regulate one’s appetite [12].

    Stress can be challenging to tackle, but there are certain techniques that help with stress relief, such as yoga, hiking, meditation, reading books, and journaling. All of those activities help lower stress levels by lowering cortisol.

    Weight Loss Supplements

    Weight loss supplements such as PhenQ, KetoCharge, Phen24, and many others are created to boost metabolism, reduce appetite, elevate energy levels, and help with every aspect of the weight loss journey.

    These supplements may bring certain results when used alone, but for the best results, it’s recommended that you pair them with a healthy diet and consistent training. Before using any of them, it’s necessary to do in-depth research on their ingredients, pros and cons, and additional side effects.

    What would be the best way to lose 10 pounds? That depends on your own goals. Still, combining different strategies instead of sticking to a single one is a great way to start.

    Benefits of Losing 10 Pounds in a Week

    People need to take into account that besides dropping weight in a short amount of time, the weight loss journey comes with short-term, long-term, and additional benefits. Let’s take a look at these perks.

    Benefits of Losing 10 Pounds in a Week

    Short-Term Benefits

    Swift weight loss may come with certain positive short-term results, such as:

    • Boosting confidence and motivation: Losing weight quickly can elevate your overall well-being and improve your self-confidence, giving you more fuel to reach your goals.
    • Looking better: By losing a couple of pounds, your clothes will fit better, and you’ll be less bloated, making you feel lighter and more comfortable.
    • Reducing water retention: Losing weight fast can lower your overall body water weight and reduce bloating. This can affect your overall appearance, giving you a slimmer look.

    Long-Term Benefits

    The long-lasting benefits that come with losing weight speedily include the following:

    • New dietary habits: Losing weight can raise your awareness of your dietary habits, encouraging you to improve your nutrition plans for everyday meals.
    • Regular exercise: Successfully finishing the rapid weight loss journey (which requires intense workouts) can establish a healthy habit of continuing with a less strict workout regime, which can bring lasting benefits.
    • Better sleep: Weight loss may improve sleep apnea, resulting in better sleep [13].
    • Enhanced mobility: Shedding excess weight (and keeping it off) can reduce the strain on your joints over time, which could lead to improved mobility and reduced pain.

    Other Benefits

    Besides the short-term and long-term benefits, people who lower their body weight tend to experience additional advantages, such as:

    • Better mental clarity and focus
    • Increased productivity
    • Better decision-making
    • Positive mindset

    Where Does Fast Weight Loss Come in Handy?

    Losing weight instantly may be useful for specific ASAP goals, such as:

    • Upcoming weddings
    • Vacations
    • Fitness milestones
    • Acting-related or modeling-related auditions

    Nevertheless, you should take into consideration that long-term health should be your first priority, and rush approaches should happen strategically and sparingly.

    Side Effects and Risks of Losing Weight Quickly

    Almost everything that has a bright side also has a downside, and so does losing 10 pounds in a week. Here are some potential side effects synonymous with rapid weight loss:

    Health-Related Risks

    When choosing to lose weight rapidly, you should take your health into account. The most common health-related risks are:

    • Muscle loss
    • Malnutrition
    • Reduced bone density
    • Dehydration
    • Gallstones

    Common Side Effects

    Fast weight loss can bring about certain symptoms that can be easily identified, such as:

    • Headaches
    • Fatigue
    • Irritability
    • Constipation
    • Hair loss
    • Lower immunity
    • Weakness

    All of these symptoms are warning signs that your body is going through a lot of stress and are clear signals to change your approach.

    Who Should Avoid Losing Weight Quickly?

    Certain people who have specific health-related problems should avoid speeding up weight loss, as it can worsen their overall condition. Here are some of the sensitive groups who should be aware of the dangers of fast weight loss:

    • Diabetic people
    • Those with heart disease
    • People with kidney problems
    • Anorexic or bulimic individuals
    • Pregnant or breastfeeding women

    Before starting any kind of extreme weight loss plan, always consider consulting a healthcare professional.

    Role of Supplements in Rapid Weight Loss

    When it comes to the question of how to lose 10 pounds in a week using supplements, the answers are as many as the options on the market.

    Fat-burning supplements often take the spotlight in the weight loss conversation. However, finding the right product with minimal side effects can sometimes feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

    Widely labeled as a natural aid for weight loss, dietary supplements typically contain a mix of ingredients like fiber, minerals, and herbs.

    For example, many weight loss products contain glucomannan and garcinia cambogia, which have beneficial effects on the hormones linked to obesity. A combination of these ingredients may lead to significant weight loss over the course of six months.

    Popular Weight Loss Supplements

    In this section, we’ll reveal our top 3 picks that not only include potent natural ingredients but also have a solid reputation in the fitness community.

    PhenQ

    PhenQ

    PhenQ is a multi-action weight loss supplement that works by suppressing one’s appetite, preventing the formation of new fat, boosting energy levels, and, most importantly, increasing the rate of fat burning. It’s made from chromium picolinate, caffeine, capsimax, and other herbal extracts [14].

    KetoCharge

    KetoCharge

    This product is designed for those following a keto diet. Its main function is to help the body easily enter ketosis and prevent a “keto flu.” KetoCharge’s “slimming salts” change into electrolytes, which boost the keto lifestyle by giving enough energy [15].

    Phen24

    Phen24

    This product contains 2 formulas: a day and night formula. The day supplement helps in increasing metabolism and overall energy, while the night supplement aids the digestive system and reduces nighttime cravings [16].

    Risks of Over-the-Counter Weight Loss Pills

    If you don’t pick a product carefully, getting the wrong weight loss products over the counter may lead to several health-related risks for the following reasons:

    • No regulation: Some of them are not strictly regulated by the FDA.
    • Hidden ingredients: Certain pills and powders may contain prescription drugs and stimulants that might not be listed on the label.
    • Side effects: In a few severe cases, some over-the-counter fat burner products have caused heart attacks, strokes, or liver damage.
    • False claims: Certain fat loss supplements make boosted claims without sufficient evidence to back them up.

    By choosing trusted supplement brands from reputable companies, you can minimize these risks and increase your chances of getting legit supplements that can help you shed pounds.

    User Insights

    Many people have tried the strategies for losing weight we discussed earlier. Some say they have experienced little to no side effects. On the contrary, certain users claimed they were quite beneficial.

    Take Amanda, for example. A fitness enthusiast, she says she shed 34 pounds by committing to the popular 16:8 intermittent fasting method. It all started with her figuring out how to lose 10 pounds in a week without exercise [17].

    On the flip side, Will Tennyson had a completely different experience due to a slightly different approach. He gave the 3-day Military Diet a shot and claims he lost 6.5 pounds, which was something he says has never happened to him before [18].

    Meanwhile, over on social media, a lot of Redditors have been buzzing about a quick weight loss plan. Someone was asking how to lose 10 pounds in a week on Reddit. A user by the name of u/rashigoogle shared that he used a strong fat burner in combination with strict dietary restrictions, claiming it’s possible to shed nearly 10 pounds in just 7 days [19].

    FAQs on Losing Weight Quickly

    Got more questions aside from how to lose 10 pounds in a week? Maybe we answered some of them below!

    How Many Calories a Day To Lose 10 Pounds in 1 Week?

    To shed 10 pounds in one week, you’d need to create a deficit of approximately 35,000 calories over the 7-day period. This equates to 5,000 calories per day, which is a challenging and potentially unsafe target for most.

    Will Losing 10 Pounds Be Noticeable?

    Yes, a 10-pound loss is likely to be noticeable, especially if you’re starting from a higher weight.

    How Much Faster Will I Be if I Lose 10 Pounds?

    Losing weight can improve endurance and speed, especially for activities like running.

    Is the Military Diet Safe?

    Yes, it is, but it’s only for short-term use; it’s not recommended as a long-term diet. It’s a potential solution for those who want to lose 10 pounds rapidly.

    How Much Water Weight Can You Lose in a Week?

    Water weight loss can possibly range from 3-5 pounds, depending on your diet, body mass and physical activity.

    Can You Maintain Weight Loss Long-Term?

    Yes, you can, but it requires a lot of effort, a healthy meal plan, and frequent physical activity.

    Final Words on How To Lose 10 Pounds in a Week

    In this article, we’ve covered the key aspects of rapid weight loss. So, individuals asking how to lose 10 pounds in a week will certainly learn that it requires a lot of discipline, dedication, planning, and sacrifice.

    Even though losing weight fast has certain benefits, one should always prioritize a sustainable approach and long-lasting healthy habits for long-term, lasting results. Remember: your health is the most valuable treasure; embrace and preserve it!

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    8. Effect of High-Intensity Interval Training vs. Moderate-Intensity Continuous Training on Fat Loss and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in the Young and Middle-Aged a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, Article on MDPI, https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/6/4741, Accessed January 10, 2025
    9. How to lose 6lb in 8 weeks: the science of getting fit fast, Article on The Times & The Sunday Times, https://www.thetimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/article/health-guide-getting-fit-fat-science-g88g8wwwg, Accessed January 10, 2025
    10. These 4 simple tips will burn more calories – you don’t even need to go to the gym, Article on New York Post, https://nypost.com/2024/12/19/health/burn-more-calories-with-these-4-simple-tips-without-the-gym/, Accessed January 10, 2025
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    14. PhenQ Official Store: Weight Loss Treatment, PhenQ (USA), https://phenq.com/, Accessed January 10, 2025
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    Beti Prosheva

    Last Updated: Jan 23, 2025

    Ever since high school, I dedicated myself to volunteering at Red Cross and other local NGOs, assisting peers and individuals struggling with health issues. My primary focus ever since, in my personal life and in my career, has been guiding others toward understanding how even small lifestyle changes like regular exercise, taking the right supplements and having proper nutrition can lead to significant improvements in their life. Education: Ss. Cyril and Methodius University, Skopje, North Macedonia Personal anecdotes: “Good health is the foundation for happy life”   Experience: Content Manager & Writer for Health & Wellness