How long to lose 40 pounds?
One pound of fat is roughly 3,500 calories, so losing 40 lb takes about a 140,000-calorie total deficit. Here's how long it takes at different daily deficits:
| Daily deficit | Time | ≈ |
|---|---|---|
| 250 cal/day deficit | 80.0 weeks | 18.7 months |
| 500 cal/day deficit | 40.0 weeks | 9.3 months |
| 750 cal/day deficit | 26.7 weeks | 6.2 months |
| 1000 cal/day deficit | 20.0 weeks | 4.7 months |
A deficit of 500 calories/day (about 40 weeks for 40 lb) is a common, sustainable target. Avoid very aggressive deficits.
Find your calorie target
See your maintenance calories, then subtract your deficit.
Open the calorie calculator →General guidance, not medical advice. Consult a professional before starting any weight-loss plan.