Skip to content

Gillian Ferguson Flaunts Tiny Waist and Reveals 3 Things That Will “Speed Up Fat Loss” That You Probably Aren’t Doing

These small changes will result in major weight loss, one health coach says.

Gillian_Ferguson3
Copyright the_macro_method/Instagram

Gillian Ferguson is showing off her tiny waist in exercise gear – and revealing three things she did to achieve it. In a new social media post, the influencer and founder of The Macro Method discusses fat loss. “These 3 things will speed up fat loss, but most people won’t do them,” she writes in the Instagram video. “POV: You’re frustrated. You feel stuck. Overwhelmed. If you’re desperate to lose fat & you’ll do anything!! But wait, will you? 🤔You only need to keep reading if you want to MAXIMIZE your fat loss stage 🧨Because the 3 things I’m going to share that will speed up your fat loss are not drastic measures ‼️ They simply take a decision - a choice - to do them or not do them,” she adds in the caption, revealing three things that will help to speed up your fat loss.


Track Food and Drinks

Her first recommendation is to measure and track everything you eat and drink. “You know you need to be in a calorie deficit (eating fewer calories than you are expending) to lose weight, and the BEST way to do that is to know •exactly• what you’re eating. Otherwise, how do you really know??” she says. “This includes every bite, lick, taste, energy drink, the food you eat at home or at a restaurant … yes, even on weekends.”

No Cheat Weekends

chocolate ice cream and cream with pieces of hazelnutShutterstock

Next, stop treating the weekends like a free-for-all, she says. “Plain & simple - every day of the week matters. And you have to get out of the mentality of being “good” all week and “treating yourself” on the weekend. That is keeping you stuck! 5 / 7 days of sticking to your plan is 70% of the week … so expect 70% of the results. Master your weekends and 10x your progress.”

RELATED:The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Best Body as a Mesomorph

Cut Out Alcohol

Group of happy friends toasting and drinking fancy cocktails at bar terrace-Three Young girls drink mojito and clinking glass together at pub enjoying happy hour at summer party- Life Style conceptShutterstock

And finally, cut out the alcohol. “Listen, just know that ANY amount of alcohol will SLOW your progress. This is not my opinion. This is a fact,” she says. “Of course, if you drink it, you need to track it accurately, but you’re missing the point. You said you wanted to •speed up• your fat loss.”

Quick Fixes Don’t Work, She Says

In another video, she explains that quick fixes won’t work and offers other tips on how to burn fat. “There is no magic pill, overnight fix, 6-day challenge that is going to get you where you want to be. So only keep reading if you’re ready to do the damn thing,” she says.

Amp Up Protein Intake

Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet on grill pan with rosemary close up. Grilled meat steak on rustic black background.Shuttestock

Her first recommendation is to prioritize protein. “30-35g per meal and at least 10-15g per snack,” she suggests. “Protein keeps you full, and it burns more calories digesting it than carbs and fat,” explains Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “It is also really important to assist in maintaining muscle mass as you’re trying to lose weight.”

Also, Amp Up Fiber Intake

Health food concept for a high fiber diet with fruit, vegetables, cereals, whole wheat pasta, grains, legumes and herbs. Foods high in anthocyanins, antioxidants, smart carbohydrates and vitamins on mShutterstock

She also recommends amping up fiber intake. “Aim for 25g of fiber daily. I’ve been calling this the 4th macro - it’s that important,” says Ferguson. “Fiber is literally indigestible plant matter, but your body tries to digest it while in your stomach and intestines, which keeps your body busy and feeling full while it’s doing this,” explains Collingwood about how fiber works. “Fiber also helps you poop and is prebiotic, which means the good bacteria in your gut feed on it, which keeps them healthy and happy.”

RELATED:I Tried Ozempic for Weight Loss and I Discovered 7 “Dark Sides” No One Warned Me About

Get More Steps In

Healthy lifestyle - woman walking in city parkShutterstock

Next, Ferguson recommends walking more. “Fire up your metabolism & ⬆️ your NEAT by making your step count a non-negotiable! 8,500-10,000 steps daily,” she says. “Walking even for a few minutes several times a day can boost metabolism instead of sitting at a desk all day long,” agrees Collingwood. “The more steps you take the more calories you burn. Walking is easy on the joints and is very simple to do!”

Lift Weights

woman lifting weights outdoor. Attractive woman working with dumbbells. Fitness woman exercising with small weights in mountain at sunlightShutterstock

Next, Ferguson recommends weight lifting. “4 x week strength training sessions - even 30 mins each - to build muscle,” she writes. “The more muscle we have on our bodies, the more calories we burn even at rest. Win-win.” Collingwood agrees. “As stated, the more muscle we have, the more calories we burn. Muscle keeps your metabolism higher every minute of the day, even while you are sleeping!” she says. “Muscle also supports your joints, helping to prevent injuries and falls and keeping you mobile and out of the hospital.”

Sleep More

Serene woman sleeping at night in the bedroomShutterstock

Next, she suggests getting more sleep. “We need rest and recovery just as much as we need steps & weights. Life is just harder when you’re tired,” Ferguson says. “Sleep helps to control important hormones that control appetite and fullness, reduce stress hormones, and repair the body from exercise to prevent injury,” explains Collingwood. “It also improves energy levels and mood.”

RELATED:I Lost 30 Pounds and Kept It Off and Here are 13 Habits That Changed My Life

Hydrate

Fitness woman drinking water from bottle. Muscular young female taking a break from workout outside.Shutterstock

Hydration is also key, says Ferguson. This isn’t just drinking more water but also cutting out alcohol. “And while you’re at it, cool it on the booze, sis,” she recommends. Collingwood agrees. “Thirst can sometimes feel like hunger, but staying hydrated also helps with every single body process from digestion to circulation to energy,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

More For You

Gillian_Ferguson3
Copyright the_macro_method/Instagram

Gillian Ferguson is showing off her tiny waist in exercise gear – and revealing three things she did to achieve it. In a new social media post, the influencer and founder of The Macro Method discusses fat loss. “These 3 things will speed up fat loss, but most people won’t do them,” she writes in the Instagram video. “POV: You’re frustrated. You feel stuck. Overwhelmed. If you’re desperate to lose fat & you’ll do anything!! But wait, will you? 🤔You only need to keep reading if you want to MAXIMIZE your fat loss stage 🧨Because the 3 things I’m going to share that will speed up your fat loss are not drastic measures ‼️ They simply take a decision - a choice - to do them or not do them,” she adds in the caption, revealing three things that will help to speed up your fat loss.


Track Food and Drinks

Her first recommendation is to measure and track everything you eat and drink. “You know you need to be in a calorie deficit (eating fewer calories than you are expending) to lose weight, and the BEST way to do that is to know •exactly• what you’re eating. Otherwise, how do you really know??” she says. “This includes every bite, lick, taste, energy drink, the food you eat at home or at a restaurant … yes, even on weekends.”

No Cheat Weekends

chocolate ice cream and cream with pieces of hazelnutShutterstock

Next, stop treating the weekends like a free-for-all, she says. “Plain & simple - every day of the week matters. And you have to get out of the mentality of being “good” all week and “treating yourself” on the weekend. That is keeping you stuck! 5 / 7 days of sticking to your plan is 70% of the week … so expect 70% of the results. Master your weekends and 10x your progress.”

RELATED:The Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Best Body as a Mesomorph

Cut Out Alcohol

Group of happy friends toasting and drinking fancy cocktails at bar terrace-Three Young girls drink mojito and clinking glass together at pub enjoying happy hour at summer party- Life Style conceptShutterstock

And finally, cut out the alcohol. “Listen, just know that ANY amount of alcohol will SLOW your progress. This is not my opinion. This is a fact,” she says. “Of course, if you drink it, you need to track it accurately, but you’re missing the point. You said you wanted to •speed up• your fat loss.”

Quick Fixes Don’t Work, She Says

In another video, she explains that quick fixes won’t work and offers other tips on how to burn fat. “There is no magic pill, overnight fix, 6-day challenge that is going to get you where you want to be. So only keep reading if you’re ready to do the damn thing,” she says.

Amp Up Protein Intake

Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet on grill pan with rosemary close up. Grilled meat steak on rustic black background.Shuttestock

Her first recommendation is to prioritize protein. “30-35g per meal and at least 10-15g per snack,” she suggests. “Protein keeps you full, and it burns more calories digesting it than carbs and fat,” explains Body Network’s Resident RDN, Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, a Board Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of the Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. “It is also really important to assist in maintaining muscle mass as you’re trying to lose weight.”

Also, Amp Up Fiber Intake

Health food concept for a high fiber diet with fruit, vegetables, cereals, whole wheat pasta, grains, legumes and herbs. Foods high in anthocyanins, antioxidants, smart carbohydrates and vitamins on mShutterstock

She also recommends amping up fiber intake. “Aim for 25g of fiber daily. I’ve been calling this the 4th macro - it’s that important,” says Ferguson. “Fiber is literally indigestible plant matter, but your body tries to digest it while in your stomach and intestines, which keeps your body busy and feeling full while it’s doing this,” explains Collingwood about how fiber works. “Fiber also helps you poop and is prebiotic, which means the good bacteria in your gut feed on it, which keeps them healthy and happy.”

RELATED:I Tried Ozempic for Weight Loss and I Discovered 7 “Dark Sides” No One Warned Me About

Get More Steps In

Healthy lifestyle - woman walking in city parkShutterstock

Next, Ferguson recommends walking more. “Fire up your metabolism & ⬆️ your NEAT by making your step count a non-negotiable! 8,500-10,000 steps daily,” she says. “Walking even for a few minutes several times a day can boost metabolism instead of sitting at a desk all day long,” agrees Collingwood. “The more steps you take the more calories you burn. Walking is easy on the joints and is very simple to do!”

Lift Weights

woman lifting weights outdoor. Attractive woman working with dumbbells. Fitness woman exercising with small weights in mountain at sunlightShutterstock

Next, Ferguson recommends weight lifting. “4 x week strength training sessions - even 30 mins each - to build muscle,” she writes. “The more muscle we have on our bodies, the more calories we burn even at rest. Win-win.” Collingwood agrees. “As stated, the more muscle we have, the more calories we burn. Muscle keeps your metabolism higher every minute of the day, even while you are sleeping!” she says. “Muscle also supports your joints, helping to prevent injuries and falls and keeping you mobile and out of the hospital.”

Sleep More

Serene woman sleeping at night in the bedroomShutterstock

Next, she suggests getting more sleep. “We need rest and recovery just as much as we need steps & weights. Life is just harder when you’re tired,” Ferguson says. “Sleep helps to control important hormones that control appetite and fullness, reduce stress hormones, and repair the body from exercise to prevent injury,” explains Collingwood. “It also improves energy levels and mood.”

RELATED:I Lost 30 Pounds and Kept It Off and Here are 13 Habits That Changed My Life

Hydrate

Fitness woman drinking water from bottle. Muscular young female taking a break from workout outside.Shutterstock

Hydration is also key, says Ferguson. This isn’t just drinking more water but also cutting out alcohol. “And while you’re at it, cool it on the booze, sis,” she recommends. Collingwood agrees. “Thirst can sometimes feel like hunger, but staying hydrated also helps with every single body process from digestion to circulation to energy,” she says. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

You might have heard that certain workouts are the magic bullet for weight loss – but this isn’t the case, according to one expert. Alexia Degremont is a health and mindset coach “scientifically trained with European ease, helping you burn fat with true nutrition, not restriction,” she writes in her social media bio. In a new Instagram post, she does a little truth-busting, claiming that the highly hyped 12-3-30 workout isn’t the end-all-be-all of fat loss. “They’re lying! Incline walking won’t magically make you lose weight, burn fat, and reduce ‘bulkiness,’” she writes. Here is why – and also why switching from weights to Pilates isn’t the answer either.


She Claims That All It Does Is Increase Heartrate and Stimulate Quads and Calves

“I know there’s so much hype around the 12:3:30 workout,” she says in her post. The 12-30-30 workout involves walking on a 12 percent incline and 3 mph speed for 30 minutes. According to Alexia, all an incline walk does is “get your heart rate up faster and train and stimulate your quads and calves a lot,” she writes.

A Lot of Times Your Heartrate Goes Higher Than Needed

“Don’t get me wrong, low-intensity steady-state cardio is amazing for fat loss, and working out your legs is too!” she continues. “But most of the time, your heart rate actually goes higher than needed, bringing you into the fitness cardio zone – which burns carbohydrates (& calories), but not fat.”

It Won’t Lean or Tone Your Legs

According to the expert, “stimulating the exact muscles you want to shrink and already use all the time in everyday life isn’t going to give you slimmer legs,” she adds. “Fact is – no matter if you use your body weight, heavy weights, or an incline walk, enough stimulus on the muscle will grow your muscle, not lean it out or get toned!!”

Here Is What You Should Do Instead

“If you want to feel & look leaner, more confident in your body, and just slimmer, you need to:

  1. First, reduce the amount of stimulus on the muscles you want to lean out,
  2. Focus on fat burning with cardio & nutrition,
  3. Then, re-introduce resistance training that prioritizes muscle tone, strength & health without gaining size.”

Switching From Weights to Pilates Won’t Lean You Out Either

In another post, she maintains that switching from weights to Pilates isn’t going to help you lean out. “Last week, I shared the workout routine I followed to go from bulky to lean in 3 months on my feed. After 2 years of working out, I was sick of feeling puffy, sore, exhausted, and honestly ‘bulky’…,” she writes in the post.

She Worked Out Hard and Followed a Strict Diet

She continues to explain that for nearly a year, she worked out hard and followed a strict diet. “I had gained 12 lbs of muscle and fat in the span of 9 months despite working out consistently and intensely (Isn’t that what’s required?) and eating ‘clean’ and trying to stay ‘in a calorie deficit’ (Shouldn’t that be enough to reach your best body!).” she writes.

She Transitioned From Weights to Pilates and Yoga

She then “decided to ditch lifting weights, HIIT, running, and only stuck to Pilates and yoga for a few months… to see if ‘reducing stress and lowering cortisol’ would lead to better results,” she writes. It worked – but not for long. “And – I lost the weight! I de-bulked! And I felt like myself again! But... it didn’t last.”

RELATED: This Fitness Expert Lost Weight and Got Shredded in 60 Days With 3 Must-Follow Rules

She Lost Weight, But Also Muscle Tone

“While I lost weight and size, I also lost muscle tone, strength, and fitness, and I needed to be so strict with my diet, making sure I wasn’t eating too much, in order to maintain this lower weight, whenever I would indulge I would immediately notice negative changes! While I liked the visual, This didn’t feel sustainable or healthy either,” she continues.

You Have to Optimize Your Metabolism for Fat Loss

“If you’ve been there, you’ve asked yourself: ‘What am I supposed to do then!’ To get lean and stay lean and toned, I realized (and learned) that you have to optimize your metabolism for fat loss – And that requires building and maintaining lean muscle! And ‘Pilates’ or yoga alone – which are programmed for mobility and control, not muscle growth or tone – isn’t going to do that… When I finally understood what it takes to create real muscle tone without growing the size of my muscles, everything changed,” she says.

RELATED: Woman Reveals 3 Simple Ways She Built Her Dream Body in 30 Days

She Worked Out Less and Was Able to Eat More

“I was able to work out only a few times a week – seeing my body get leaner & toned every week,” she says. “I was able to eat more, which, as a real foodie, is a Win! But it's also just a lot more sustainable. I felt confident wearing crop tops & shorts because I wasn’t just “skinny.” I was toned! I wish I could tell you the Pilates craze is the cure to it all, But it isn’t. You’ll need the science & skills to prioritize muscle tone without gaining size through your workouts and nutrition.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Fact-Checked

Our content is fact checked by our senior editorial staff to reflect accuracy and ensure our readers get sound information and advice to make the smartest, healthiest choices.

We adhere to structured guidelines for sourcing information and linking to other resources, including scientific studies and medical journals.

If you have any concerns about the accuracy of our content, please reach out to our editors by e-mailing editors@bodynetwork.com.

Workouts don’t have to be complicated to be effective, and they don’t have to be long. Brianna Joye is a fitness trainer and the founder of City Girls Who Walk, who has a following of over 1.1 million people on Instagram. She is famous for sharing her realistic workouts that help people get into shape fast. One of her recent videos promises a full upper body and torso workout in just a few exercises. “3 moves to sculpt your arms & waistline,” she writes in the video, adding in the caption that her “fav exercises” will help you get a “strong core.” Here is what you need to know about the workout – and everything else about Brianna’s approach to fitness and diet.


3 Moves to Shape Your Arms and Waistline

She suggests doing three rounds of the exercises.

  • Plank pull through x 12
  • Wood chopper x 12 (Don’t forget to do the other side, she reminds)
  • Russian twist x 12

Here Is What She Eats in a Day

briannajoye_fitness-1briannajoye_fitness/TikTok

Brianna reveals what she eats in a day in a TikTok video. For breakfast, she eats sliced bananas and a spoonful of peanut butter. Next up a snack of greek yogurt, walnuts, honey and berries, followed up by a Koia protein shake. For lunch she has a spicy chicken caesar lettuce wrap, and dinner, a harvest bowl with sliced chicken, broccoli, sweet potato, and avocado topped with hot honey. And dessert? A donut!

Related: Can't Lose Weight Despite Eating Less? This Could Be Why

She Goes Running

Rear view of young woman walking on treadmillShutterstock

Brianna runs on the treadmill. According to the Mayo Clinic, running is great for cardiovascular health, muscle building, and weight loss. “For every mile run, the average person will burn approximately 100 calories,” they say.

She Drinks This “Debloating” Green Juice

briannajoye_fitness-2briannajoye_fitness/Instagram

In an Instagram video Brianna revealed her recipe for a “debloating” green drink. The “best green juice recipe” starts with a cup of pineapple. “We're doing two lemons, just a couple pieces of ginger, a couple pieces of celery, and one whole cucumber. We're just going to put it all in one handful of organic spinach, and then we are using some coconut water (“for some added electrolytes”) but you can also use water. Then, you blend the mixture. “Once it's blended, you're just going to pour it into a bowl, and then you want a strainer on top of it. I'm just using a cheesecloth. Then you're just going to lift, so all the pulp gets out of it and we're just going to squeeze,” she says.

Related: 6 Important Things You Should Consider Before Getting Breast Augmentation

She Makes Healthier Versions of Her Favorite Meals

briannajoye_fitness-3briannajoye_fitness/Instagram

Another habit of Brianna’s is making healthier versions of her favorite foods. For example, she has shared recipes for “healthier hot Cheetos,” pasta chips, and Big Mac low-carb, high protein taco burgers.

💪🔥Body Booster: If you don’t have a lot of time to invest in exercise, try doing mini workouts – like Brianna’s – a few times a day.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Are you desperate to blast your belly fat? It may not be as hard as you think. Gina is a weight loss warrior who lost 50 pounds and got in the best shape of her life in the healthiest way possible. In a new social media post, she reveals one standing ab move that helped her achieve her enviable abs and lose belly fat after having seven kids. “You could run for 10 minutes on a treadmill and not even burn off a stick of string cheese, or you could do these instead to build muscle and burn fat,” she writes across the video, going on to reveal the one exercise that helped her lose 50 pounds and flatten her pooch.


Gina Knows the Belly “Hang” Well After 7 Kids

Close-Up Of Pregnant Woman Holding Her Belly, Sitting On Yoga Mat. Cropped image, panorama.Shutterstock

“As a c-section mother and mother of 7- I know the hang. After losing 50 pounds, I know it takes much more than some random crunches. I have found that standing core exercises help so much to tighten and strengthen that area,” she says in the post.

She Has a Hack for the “Fatty Upper Pubic Area”

Flat,Belly,Expecting,Baby,pregnant,diet,healthShutterstock

She goes on to reveal an acronym, FUPA. “FUPA stands for ‘fatty upper pubic area’ and refers to the accumulation of fat around the mons pubis, or pubic bone,” she says. And it’s not just women who experience it — so do men!

RELATED: Lindsay Lohan Flaunts Washboard Abs: Here’s Her “Little Secret” to Looking Great at 38

She Tightened Hers with This Move

Portrait of fit young woman with kettlebell weights in the park. Fitness woman training with weights in park.Shutterstock

“Although we can’t target fat loss in a specific area of the body, we can definitely work on certain exercises that help us tighten and strengthen muscles in that area. This is one example of what I have done with my journey, and after 7 kids and c-sections, I have found that this area has become increasingly tighter since incorporating overhead weights with movement such as you see,” she says.

It Works for Men Too

Athlete,Exercise, Kettleball,Kettlebell,gymShutterstock

And “for the men,” she maintains that the same exercise works. “My husband started doing these with me to strengthen his core with higher weight and reps! Let me know if you try it!”

FUPA Pooch Exercise for Women

,Working,Out,Gym,Weights,dumbbellsShutterstock

In the video, she demonstrates the pooch-busting move. “Try to do this for 60 seconds with 10-15 pounds. Rest for 60 seconds and do it again until you hit three reps.”

RELATED: Woman Lost 25 Pounds on Mounjaro Without Exercise and Shares 8 Key Tips

Men Lower Ab Strengthening

Athlete,Dumbbell, Bodybuilding, weights, lifting, exercise, gym, weightsShutterstock

She also offers a version for men. Try to do this for 60 seconds with 20-25 pounds. Rest for 30 seconds and continue until you do 5 reps.

She Also Walks with a Weighted Vest

Buffalo, Minnesota, USA - May 20, 2017 Murph Challenge 2017, Happy athletic girl coming back from 1 mile run and flexing her bicepsShutterstock

Another hack that helped her lose weight fast? Wearing a weighted vest and walking. Her routine? She wrote in another post that “daily/nightly walks” and a “minimum” of 3 miles a day “with it on at least 5 times a week” is what she did. “You can achieve this with sidewalk walking, road walking, or walking on a treadmill/walking pad. I have since tapered back on my weighted vest walking- and walk weighted only once a week because the goal isn’t weight loss but now muscle definition. Weighted walks are super beneficial. I bought the 40-pound with shoulder pads, removed all but ten pounds, and worked my way up. The one I walk with now is a 60 lbs vest,”

And Makes Sure to Eat Enough Food

Woman, diet and person eating salad in her home kitchen and is happy for a meal with nutrition or healthy lunch. Smile, food and young female vegan in her apartment or house and eat vegetablesShutterstock

She also explains that many people believe that undereating will help them lose weight. But that’s not true. “You are (probably) not eating enough, and it has your metabolism way out of wack and your body holding onto fat way more than you’d like,” she writes. “I was at my absolute heaviest when I was eating the absolutely least amount of food after giving birth for the 7th time in 12 years,” she says. Now, she fuels her body with healthy foods so that she can exercise more.

RELATED: 8 Core Stability Moves a Mobility Expert Uses to Prevent Back Pain

Her Approach Works

Brutal athletic woman pumping up muscles with dumbbellsShutterstock

“The skinny twig supermodel body that most girls wanted as young children has turned into an entire era of women becoming stronger, leaner, healthier and living a more fit and achievable lifestyle by filling their bodies with nutritious foods because they are not afraid to fuel their tank. Women who know that they will not get bulky by lifting weights,” she continues. “Last summer, I weighed almost 180 pounds until I got up and did something about it, and now I am empowering others to get up and do the same. I got you! You won’t find BS or kale here.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Can you lose weight fast and keep it off? Yes, says one top health and fitness expert. Jillian Michaels is a fitness expert and star of The Biggest Loser. In a recent video, she reveals that it is possible to lose weight fast. At the start of the clip, Michaels points out that “nobody ever” says, “I want to lose weight slowly.” And there’s nothing wrong with that. “There's a lot of conflicting information about whether it's safe, whether you lose weight too quickly, and whether you will have loose skin. And so here's the deal. You can lose weight quickly, and you can lose weight quickly, safely, depending on how you lose it,” she maintains.


Most People Go About Rapid Weight Loss the Wrong Way

According to Michaels, most people go about rapid weight loss the wrong way. “To lose weight, we have to create a calorie deficit. You've gotta eat less food than your body is burning in a day,” she points out, noting that a pound “is about 3,500 calories,” so if you wanted to lose two pounds a week, you would need to burn a thousand extra calories a day. “This is where diets get dangerous,” she says.

RELATED:10 Foods That I Will Never Eat Again After Losing 120 Pounds

Starving Yourself Throws Off Your Hormones

She explains that when people diet and do “things like fasts and cleanses or dramatic calorie reduction,” they are usually depriving their body of nutrients. “There's a reason people talk about yo-yo dieting,” she says, explaining that you will lose weight, but gain it all back. “When you starve the body, you're telling your body, ‘Oh my god, food is really scarce’” which then shifts your hormone balance, “to store more fat and I'm going to cannibalize my own healthy tissue because I need fat to insulate my vital organs,” she says.

It “Messes Up” Your Metabolism

“The bottom line is it messes up your metabolism, and when you start eating normally again, if you even go back to normal, because a lot of times with these dramatic diets, there's a huge pendulum swing the other way, you've now damaged your metabolism,” she says. “You're going to put the weight you lost on and then some.” This is yo-yo dieting. “Plus, when we starve ourselves, we've lost lean tissue, lean body mass, which also compromises your metabolism. So it's this really dangerous, bad cycle.”

You Also Won’t Be Able to Exercise

“Plus, how much are you really going to lose? So what are you going to run on 500 calories a day? Well, you're certainly not exercising on 500 calories a day. I mean, and even if you were, what did you burn? 2,000 calories a day?” she points out. This might help you lose three pounds a week, but you will “starve your body and do a ton of damage. Like you can't starve the weight off. It's just not possible,” she says.

RELATED:7 Foods You Should Never Eat, According to a Nutrition Expert

If You Want to Lose Weight Rapidly, You Need to Exercise

The answer to losing weight fast, according to Michaels? “Rapid weight loss comes from exercise,” she says. “If you're maintaining your weight, it's going to be all food. If you don't overeat, you're not going to get any bigger, okay? If you're trying to lose weight, it's like 80% exercise because you can't starve it off,” she says. “It requires more energy to move your body, period,” she adds, noting that “certain fitness techniques” are better than others for energy. They include HIIT, plyometrics, free weights, and metabolic circuits.

Women Should Never Drop Below 1,200 Calories and Men, 1,500

“If you want to lose weight quickly and safely, this is the absolute bottom line for women. Do not go below 1200 calories and you can have unlimited green vegetables. You gotta count the stuff you put on them, but you can eat unlimited greens because the reality is that you're going to get more fiber, more phytonutrients, and it almost requires as much energy for you to break down and metabolize that food than the amount of energy that's actually in the food. As a man, I never would go below, never would go below 1500 would not do it,” she says.

You Can Do 4 to 5 Hours of Higher Intensity Exercise a Week

She explains that you can do four to five hours of higher intensity training a week. “I don't mean four to five hours of the craziest techniques like HIIT and this and that. You can do like a good hour of resistance training in circuits with free weights, multiple muscle group exercises, squat thrusters, things of that nature. Pull ups, pushups that are going to burn more calories. You can work HIIT intervals into those sessions, four to five hours of intensity a week maximum.”

RELATED:I'm a Nutrition Pro: This 28-Day Walking Routine Burns More Fat Than Cardio

And, the Rest of Your Exercise Should Be Lower Intensity

“The rest has gotta be low intensity activity,” she says. This includes hiking, walking, biking, swimming, “so that you're not over training, you're not overstressing, you're not putting your body at risk of injury, you're still giving your body enough recovery time,” Michaels continues. “I always call that kind of low intensity cardio, the bread and butter of extreme weight loss.”

If You Want to Lose Weight Fast, Do as Much Lower Intensity Cardio As You Can

“If you want to lose a lot of weight, it's a lot of that low intensity cardio, a lot of it. And that's where it's not realistic, but it is safe. It is okay,” she says. “The extremes, that's where things get dangerous.”

RELATED:I Lost Over 250 Pounds And These Are 11 Habits That Transformed My Body

And, Here Is the Truth About Loose Skin

As for loose skin, “contrary to popular belief, it doesn't matter how quickly you lose weight. If you've got loose skin, you've got loose skin and that's it,” Michaels says. “The skin is an organ. How it rebounds after weight loss has a lot of different factors and components, one of them being genetics.” And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Dr. Sue Decotiis MD
Copyright Dr. Sue Decotiis/YouTube

Many people have achieved significant weight loss with medications like Mounjaro and Ozempic, but the dreaded "Ozempic rebound" has become a real concern. Studies show that most patients regain weight after stopping these medications - but it doesn't have to be that way. Dr. Sue Decotiis, MD, a triple board-certified physician specializing in medical weight loss, explains that with proper monitoring and lifestyle adjustments, you can maintain your results. Follow these expert tips to keep the weight off for good after your medication journey ends.

The Rebound Effect Is Real

Research confirms what many fear - weight often returns after stopping GLP-1 medications. In an Eli Lilly study, patients who discontinued Mounjaro regained about 14% of their body weight after 36 weeks. With Ozempic, two-thirds of the total weight loss was eventually regained. "Most of the folks that regained weren't doing it the right way," says Dr. Decotiis, who emphasizes that proper monitoring makes all the difference in maintaining results.

RELATED: 15 Things to Know Before Requesting Ozempic for Weight Loss

Focus on Body Fat, Not Just Weight

back view fat asian girl exercising By walking to burn fat and jogging slowly, fat woman walks for exercise in a natural park.​Everyday Foods This Expert Says Are “Destroying Your HealthShutterstock

The scale doesn't tell the whole story when it comes to healthy weight loss. "We make sure they're actually losing fat, okay? And their muscle is staying the same," explains Dr. Decotiis in her post. She monitors patients using body composition scales to track exactly what they're losing. "Most of the doctors prescribing this medication are not even putting people on a body composition scale," she points out, suggesting this oversight might contribute to weight regain after stopping medication.

Don't Stop Your Medication Abruptly

GDANSK, POLAND - MAY 2022: obese fat man preparing Semaglutide Ozempic injection control blood sugar levels​If You Lose Weight Soley Because of Ozempic, You Are Likely Losing MuscleShutterstock

If you want to maintain your results, a gradual approach to ending treatment is crucial. "The worst thing someone can do is stop the drug abruptly," warns Dr. Decotiis. Instead, she recommends a careful tapering process: "I titrate the drug up and I taper it down. That makes such a difference." This methodical approach gives your body time to adjust and may significantly improve your chances of maintaining weight loss.

Proper Hydration Is Non-Negotiable

Water,Being,Poured,Into,Glass,From,Kitchen,TapShutterstock

You might be surprised by how important water intake is for sustainable weight management. "People on these medications need to drink a tremendous amount of water. Up to maybe a gallon or more a day," Dr. Decotiis advises. She explains the science behind this requirement: "For every ounce of fat that you burn, you're losing water. It's very easy to get dehydrated." Proper hydration supports your metabolism and helps prevent weight regain.

Build Muscle Through Strength Training

Portrait of fit young woman with kettlebell weights in the park. Fitness woman training with weights in park.Shutterstock

Your exercise routine needs to focus on building and preserving muscle mass. "We don't encourage heavy aerobics, but we want them to build muscle," says Dr. Decotiis. Strength training helps maintain your metabolic rate, which is crucial for preventing weight regain. Even moderate resistance training several times per week can make a significant difference in your body composition and ability to maintain weight loss.

RELATED: 5 Things to Know Before Taking a GLP-1 Drug, According to a Nurse Who Takes It

Prioritize Protein and Vegetables

Cooked,Salmon,With,Parmesan,Asparagus,And,A,Side,Of,Quinoa​Here’s What to Do About ItShutterstock

What you eat becomes even more important after stopping medication. "We want them to eat a lot of protein and vegetables, we measure the fiber in their diet," Dr. Decotiis explains. Protein helps preserve muscle mass while keeping you full, and fiber-rich vegetables provide essential nutrients with minimal calories. This nutritional approach supports sustainable weight management even as your body adjusts to life without medication.

Understand How Your Hormones Affect Results

Group of women in their 30s walking together in the outdoors. Cute blond and fit women in their mid 30s who are active and working to stay healthy. Full length photo with copy space​Walking with Others Can Make You More AccountableShutterstock

Your hormonal profile may influence how your body responds to both the medication and its discontinuation. "Estrogen is really a positive modulator," says Dr. Decotiis, noting that "women do very, very well on this medication" due to this hormonal interaction. Understanding your unique hormonal situation can help you create a more effective maintenance plan after stopping medication.

Regular Monitoring Makes The Difference

Young hispanic woman wearing doctor uniform talking on the telephone at clinicShutterstock

Consistent check-ins are essential for maintaining results. "We follow patients very carefully, and we put them on a body composition scale every week, every other week," explains Dr. Decotiis. This regular monitoring allows for quick adjustments to your maintenance plan. Many of her patients who maintain this vigilance "have gotten off this drug and they've been able to maintain their weight," demonstrating that success is possible with the right approach.

Consider Which Medication You Used

Basrah, Iraq- January 05, 2024: photo of Saxenda and Mounjaro Weight Loss Pens GLP 1​1. Build a Strong Provider RelationshipShutterstock

Not all GLP-1 medications are created equal when it comes to maintenance potential. "People have lost a lot more weight on Mounjaro and Terzepatide than they did on Ozempic," Dr. Decotiis shares from her clinical experience. She adds that "there are also fewer side effects, and I feel that people are more easily tapered off that drug." The specific medication you used may influence your maintenance strategy.

RELATED:20 Possible Ozempic Side Effects

Adjust Your Approach Based On Your Metabolism

Man eats, eating​What To Do InsteadShutterstock

Your unique metabolic profile should guide your maintenance plan. "It really depends on their metabolism," Dr. Decotiis explains when discussing how long patients typically need medication. She emphasizes personalization: "Some people can get off it pretty easily, okay? When I'm following your body composition scale, I'm seeing what's happening with your body fat as I'm taking the drug down." Your individual metabolic response will determine the best approach for maintaining your results.

Success Is Possible With The Right Strategy

Happy young woman on scales at homeI’m a Nutritionist and Here’s How You Can Lose Your First 10 Pounds Shutterstock

Despite concerning statistics about weight regain, maintaining your results is achievable. "Many of my patients have gotten off this drug and they've been able to maintain their weight," Dr. Decotiis affirms. The key difference is comprehensive care: tracking body composition, proper tapering, adequate hydration, appropriate exercise, and nutrition tailored to your needs. With this holistic approach, you can beat the odds and keep the weight off for good. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss20 Incredible Ozempic Success Stories of All Time.

Evidence-Based

This content references scientific studies and academic research, and is fact-checked to ensure accuracy.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strives to be objective, unbiased, and honest.

We are committed to bringing you researched, expert-driven content to help you make more informed decisions around food, health, and wellness. We know how important making choices about your overall health is, and we strive to provide you with the best information possible.

Do you want to lose weight and keep it off? It might be time to evaluate your morning habits. Orisha Rè Lampkin, sensual fitness instructor and founder of Fearless Re'volution, helps ambitious, high-achieving women reconnect with their bodies, ignite their sensual energy, get fit, and lead their lives fearlessly and unapologetically. She went from a size 12 to a size 2, 167 lbs to 130, and wants to help others do the same. She recently opened up to Body Network about a few game-changing habits that enable her to stay lean after 40. “I used to wake up and go straight into go-mode—emails, clients, workouts, to-do lists. But over time, my body made it clear: if I wanted to stay lean, magnetic, and energized after 40, I had to lead from within. These aren’t just habits—they’re rituals. Here’s what changed everything,” she says.

1. Body Check-In + Fluid Movement First Thing

“Before I even leave the bedroom, I start with a gentle, intuitive body check-in. It’s part mobility, part sensual movement, and part nervous system reset. I roll out my ankles, circle my hips, spiral my spine, and trace a few flowing figure eights. Sometimes I’ll add a few joint alignment drills or breath-led postural resets—especially if I feel tight or disconnected,” she says.

Why It Is Effective

Unhappy young woman standing in front of a mirror and holding hands on her bloating stomach.​Bloating and SwellingShutterstock

“This practice doesn’t burn a single calorie, but it turns on my whole system. It wakes up my fascia, boosts circulation, and reconnects me to my power before anything else tries to hijack my energy. As a Corrective Exercise Specialist, I know this step prevents the compensations that can lead to pain, belly bloat, and sluggish mornings,” she explains.

2. Hydration + Plant-Powered Protein Before Coffee

Delicious tea with lemon on a wooden background. A slice of lemon on the table. Water with lemonShutterstock

“I don’t eat meat, and I rarely drink coffee. When I do have coffee, it's not on an empty stomach. Now, I start my mornings with 16 oz of water infused with lemon to hydrate my cells and gently wake up my digestion. Then, I have a high-protein, mini meal—like a chia hemp smoothie, a protein bar, or warm quinoa with avocado and pumpkin seeds,” she says.

Why It Is Effective

“This isn’t a diet trick. It’s a stabilizer. It keeps my blood sugar balanced, supports lean muscle, and keeps cravings at bay—so I stay fueled, not frazzled. Then I’ll enjoy a ginger or peppermint tea if I’m in the mood,” she says.

3. Mental Rehearsal with Magnetic Intention

“Before the day tries to pull me in a million directions, I give myself space to lead it with purpose. I sit—sometimes for as little as 3 minutes, other days for 20—and meditate with intention. I visualize how I want to move, feel, and lead. I breathe into my body, soften my jaw, and call in confidence,” she reveals.

Why It Is Effective

Selective focus of african american trainer leaning with multiethnic dancers movements of zumba in dance studioShutterstock

“This is where my NLP training shows up the most. I anchor into who I want to be, not in theory, but in action. Whether I’m dancing, coaching, or simply making breakfast, this mental rehearsal primes my nervous system to move in alignment with my desires,” she concludes. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missI’m a Nutritionist and Here Are 25 Weight Loss Truths You Need to Hear.

Woman Helping Man On Trail As Group Of Senior Friends Go Hiking In Countryside Together
Shutterstock
Expert-Recommended

We've consulted with our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians to bring you informed recommendations for food products, health aids and nutritional goods to safely and successfully guide you toward making better diet and nutrition choices. We strive to only recommend products that adhere to our philosophy of eating better while still enjoying what you eat.

Many people believe that to lose weight, you need to stop snacking; however, this isn’t the case. Instead, you may have to shift your approach to snacking, opting for food that fuels your body instead of seeking a quick fix. Tara Collingwood, MS, RDN, CSSD, LD/N, ACSM-CPT, also known as The Diet Diva, is Body Network’s Resident Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. She is a Board-Certified Sports Dietitian and co-author of Flat Belly Cookbook for Dummies. We asked her for recommendations on the best snacks for women over 50 to burn fat, and here are five she swears by.

Greek Yogurt with Berries

Greek yogurt strawberry parfaits with fresh berries. toning. selective focusShutterstock

Her first snack for women over 50 to lose weight? Greek yogurt with berries. Always stick to plain Greek yogurt, as sweetened versions are higher in sugar and calories. “High in protein to support lean muscle and metabolism, plus calcium for bone health. Plus, berries are packed with antioxidants and fiber,” Collingwood says.

Hard-Boiled Egg Salad Made with Avocado

Diet avocado salad with boiled eggs and green onions with yogurt dressing closeup in a bowl on the table. horizontal​Avocado and Hard-Boiled Egg SaladShutterstock

It’s always great to make a batch of hard-boiled eggs. While they can be eaten whole, you can also use some to create a healthy version of egg salad. “Eggs give you protein and essential nutrients like choline. Avocados add healthy fats that promote satiety and support hormone balance,” explains Collingwood. “Eat on whole grain crackers or with raw veggies.”

Cottage Cheese with Flaxseeds and Grapes

Delicious fresh cottage cheese in bowl on table, closeup​5. Greek Yogurt/Cottage CheeseShutterstock

A great sweet-meets-savory snack that will help fill you up and fuel you for the rest of the day? Cottage cheese with flaxseeds and grapes. “Cottage cheese is a slow-digesting protein. Flaxseeds bring omega-3s and fiber; grapes are full of water and some fiber to keep you full,” explains Collingwood.

Almonds, Pistachios, or Walnuts

Cracked walnuts on a background covered with walnutsShutterstock

An easy snack to help burn fat? “A small handful” of nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, or walnuts. “Nuts are nutrient-dense and full of good fats. They keep you full and help stabilize blood sugar levels,” says Collingwood.

Roasted Veggies

Full background of roasted colorful autumn vegetables, above view

Shutterstock

If you are cooking dinner, make some extra roasted veggies to snack on. “Low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with vitamins. Roast with a spray of olive oil and some garlic and Italian seasoning,” she suggests. And if you enjoyed this article, don't missthese 8 High-Protein Foods with Nearly Zero Calories That Melt Fat.