Wanting to lose a lot of weight quickly is completely understandable. Whether you’ve got a holiday coming up or just want to feel better in yourself, it’s natural to wonder how fast you can shift the weight. A common goal is to lose a stone in a month — but is it realistic, and more importantly, is it safe? In this blog, we’ll explore what’s possible, what to watch out for, and where to get support if you need a little extra help.
Is It Safe to Lose a Stone in a Month?
Losing a stone in a month is possible, but it’s considered quite a fast rate of weight loss. That’s around 6.3kg in just four weeks. For many people, that means making major changes to their diet, activity levels, and daily habits — all at once. It can be physically and mentally demanding.
The NHS recommends aiming to lose 1 to 2 pounds (around 0.5 to 1kg) per week. This slower pace is safer and more likely to lead to long-term success. Fast weight loss often involves cutting calories too low or following extreme diets. These can lead to fatigue, cravings, and even muscle loss. You might also see big drops on the scales early on due to water loss, not fat. That’s why your approach really matters.
Factors That Affect How Quickly You Lose Weight
Weight loss isn’t the same for everyone. Some people see fast results, while others take longer to notice changes. This doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. Your body, lifestyle, and health all play a part in how quickly you lose weight.
Here are some of the key factors that can affect your progress:
- Starting weight and BMI – People with a higher starting weight may see faster early results.
- Metabolism – Some bodies burn energy quicker than others, often due to age or genetics.
- Activity levels – The more you move, the more energy you burn.
- Sleep and stress – Poor sleep and high stress can make it harder to lose weight.
- Health conditions or medications – Some issues, like thyroid problems or insulin resistance, can slow things down.
Because there’s no one-size-fits-all result, it’s important to stay focused on what works for you.
What Works Better Than Crash Diets
It can be tempting to try a crash diet when you’ve got a big weight loss goal. But cutting out food groups or slashing calories often leads to quick burnout. These approaches can slow your metabolism, increase cravings, and leave you feeling exhausted.
Instead, focus on simple, realistic changes that you can stick with. These tend to give better results over time and support your overall health too.
Here are some habits that make a difference:
- Choose high-protein meals – These keep you full and help preserve muscle while you lose fat.
- Watch portion sizes – Eating slightly less at each meal can add up over the week.
- Move more each day – Walking, stretching, or light exercise can boost your progress.
- Drink enough water – Staying hydrated supports energy and helps reduce unnecessary snacking.
- Track your habits – Writing things down can help you stay focused and spot any patterns.
Steady, consistent changes are far more effective than anything extreme.
When to Consider Medical Support
For some people, no matter how hard they try, lifestyle changes just aren’t enough. If you’ve been eating well, moving more, and still not seeing results, medical support could be an option. This is especially true if your weight is affecting your health or confidence.
You might be wondering how can I lose a stone in a month without doing anything extreme. In some cases, medical treatments like weight loss injections can help by making it easier to manage hunger and portion sizes.
Some prescription options include:
- Mounjaro – A weekly injection that helps reduce appetite and improves feelings of fullness.
- Saxenda – A daily injection that works on the brain to control hunger signals.
- Orlistat – A tablet that stops some fat from being absorbed by the body.
These treatments are not for everyone and should only be used with proper medical advice. A consultation is always needed to check if they’re safe and suitable for you.
Speak to Heald Green Pharmacy’s Weight Loss Team
At Heald Green Pharmacy, we know how hard it can be to lose weight — especially when you’ve got big goals and feel unsure where to start. That’s why our Weight Loss Clinic is here to offer expert support in a friendly, confidential setting. We provide one-to-one consultations and can offer access to prescription treatments like Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Orlistat.
Our trained team will help you explore your options, answer your questions, and guide you every step of the way. You don’t have to do this alone. Get in touch with us today to book your consultation and take the first step towards a healthier, more confident you.
This blog was written on behalf of Heald Green Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.
