Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Only the apps you allow.

Meet the Other Phone.
Only the apps you allow.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

Quickest way to lose the most amount of weight in 6 weeks?!

27 replies

TwoBigNoisyBoys · 16/07/2023 15:02

Just that really. I’m 50 in 6 weeks and I have a big party planned 😊 However, I’m currently much heavier than I want to be, and I want to be much slimmer! I’ve gained around 2 stone during year long treatment for breast cancer, which finished 7 months ago, and I’m very lucky to be in the clear now, but I’d really like to try to shift as much weight as possible…I’m already dealing with rubbish chemo hair 🙄 and I really want to look my best. I already have a PT trainer once a week and we do strength training, (and I’ve got a hair appointment in 3 weeks to sort chemo hair!) but I’m disappointed when I look in the mirror…what can I do?

All suggestions gratefully received 😊 TIA

OP posts:
Azaeleasinbloom · 16/07/2023 15:09

Congratulations on your birthday and great that you are in remission.
can your PT do a plan for you ? I get that you want to lose a bunch of weight , fast, but given the chemo you have just been through, you may want to be a bit gentle on your body.
That said, low carb works for me for a short shock. Substituting 2 meals for protein shakes, then loading up on veg and fish/ chicken /meat. You need to ensure that you are getting the right vitamins etc, so perhaps look for shakes that incorporate that -Superdrug has a variety I think.
But don’t do it for too long, it can be rough on your kidneys and you really don’t need to put them under more stress.

ComtesseDeSpair · 16/07/2023 15:12

You’re recovering from cancer. Give yourself and your body a break. Buy a really nice outfit which flatters the body you have and which makes you feel brilliant, and then focus on long-term changes towards a healthy diet which cuts down alcohol, sugar and junk and increases protein, whole foods and good fats and will accompany the weight training.

The amount of weight you’ll lose in six weeks doing any kind of “fast weight loss” type diet isn’t likely to make a materially appreciable difference, and I can more or less guarantee you’d still look in the mirror and feel dissatisfied about something, anyway.

Original poster
TwoBigNoisyBoys · 16/07/2023 15:14

Thank you! I try (ish!) to eat low carb but not very successfully 😁 i might look at the protein shakes, the ones I’ve seen so far a very high is sugar so that put me off. Maybe I could whizz up my own, with protein powder, fruit and Greek yogurt…

OP posts:

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about this subject:

General health
Flickersy · 16/07/2023 15:16

The only way to sustainably lose significant weight in 6 weeks is to cut off a limb.

You've just been through a hell of a lot - be kind to your body. Don't starve it or live off shakes just to be a bit slimmer on your birthday. Focus on eating healthily and getting fit, and the rest will follow in time.

FoodFann · 16/07/2023 15:16

The fastest way to lose weight is to go on an extreme calorie deficit. It’s not healthy or recommended. You should probably seek medical advice, particularly as you’re recently recovered. Good luck

coxesorangepippin · 16/07/2023 15:16

Low carb

Loads of water

Lots of exerise

Azaeleasinbloom · 16/07/2023 15:17

Making your own is definitely preferable. Also overnight oats, with coconut/ almond milk and protein powder makes a decent breakfast.
But I do agree with @ComtesseDeSpair , perhaps focus on the outfit and manicure/ pedicure , whatever makes you feel good. Surely your friends care more that you look healthy rather than skinny ?

Original poster
TwoBigNoisyBoys · 16/07/2023 15:18

@ComtesseDeSpair thank you for your reply, I understand where you’re coming from and my whole diet is now switched up for long-term health benefits, but I’d love to lose a bit before my birthday. It’s very hard looking in a mirror, not recognising yourself and hating your reflection, no matter how grateful you are to be alive. I’d just like to look a bit better than I do right now.

OP posts:
Lamelie · 16/07/2023 15:20

ComtesseDeSpair · 16/07/2023 15:12

You’re recovering from cancer. Give yourself and your body a break. Buy a really nice outfit which flatters the body you have and which makes you feel brilliant, and then focus on long-term changes towards a healthy diet which cuts down alcohol, sugar and junk and increases protein, whole foods and good fats and will accompany the weight training.

The amount of weight you’ll lose in six weeks doing any kind of “fast weight loss” type diet isn’t likely to make a materially appreciable difference, and I can more or less guarantee you’d still look in the mirror and feel dissatisfied about something, anyway.

Mainly this Flowers
But… intermittent fasting. Basically skipping breakfast and not snacked after supper. Cut out alcohol and cut down carbs and you’ll see a big difference.

1992H · 16/07/2023 15:21

Why not book an appointment at the likes of John Lewis/ house of Fraser with their personal shopper?
theyll be great at knowing what colour/cut/patterns will flatter you and probably suggest things you’d never dream of trying and then love on.

you’ve been through a lot, by all means increase exercise, eat well and cut things out but concentrate on the bigger picture & enjoy your celebration regardless!

Original poster
TwoBigNoisyBoys · 16/07/2023 15:21

Thanks @Azaeleasinbloom I’ll think about that as a breakfast. But it’s not what my friends think of me, it’s what I think of me, if that makes sense? I’d just like to look a little bit like the old TwoBigNoisyBoys! 😊

OP posts:
SlowlyLosing · 16/07/2023 15:21

I'm sure you've seen those biggest loser programs where they eat nothing and exercise loads, that would work.

For a less painful alternative check out Michael mosley 'lose a stone in 21 days' on channel 4 and the accompanying Fast 800 books. Very good research showing you lose weight whilst improving your health.

MamaBanana12 · 16/07/2023 15:34

I don't know about health related and would probably say check before you do anything...

But I've lost 18.5lbs in 6 weeks

Doing intermittent fasting & no carbs. Sticking to 1300 calories a day

It hasn't been that hard and the weight and inches are coming off.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 16/07/2023 15:38

I lost 10kg in four weeks (some of this was baby weight btw) and 20kg less that pre pregnancy weight now

  • no liquid calories, no sugary drinks including milky lattes juice etc and either no booze or one two glasses of wine one night a week only a week or vodka Diet Coke. Driving everywhere helps this.
  • no white carbs so replace potatoes with sweet potatoes and rice with brown or Wholemeal rice or quinoa. No pasta or bread but if you must then only whole meal.
  • max 30kg of these good carbs per meal the rest protein and veg.
  • walking or movement straight after evey meal even if it's Doing chores. This

I stared this due to gestational diabetes and kept it up as much as possible as I felt good and glowed and got so many compliments.

springpepper · 16/07/2023 15:41

This reply has been deleted

This user is a troll so we have deleted their posts and threads.

Unexpectedlysinglemum · 16/07/2023 15:41

Look up diet advice on diabetes Uk and if you follow it properly the extra weight will drop off

Original poster
TwoBigNoisyBoys · 16/07/2023 15:43

Thanks so much, really appreciate everyone’s comments and help.

(btw my oncologist is aware that I’m trying to lose weight, and as long as I’m not starving myself she’s fine about it and in fact encourages it, as I’m in the ‘obese’ range now, which brings its own health issues. I know slow and steady is best, and I’m not intending doing anything ridiculous in terms of crash diets, but anything short term that can give me a boost would really help)

Thanks again everyone 😊

OP posts:
Unexpectedlysinglemum · 16/07/2023 15:43

TwoBigNoisyBoys · 16/07/2023 15:14

Thank you! I try (ish!) to eat low carb but not very successfully 😁 i might look at the protein shakes, the ones I’ve seen so far a very high is sugar so that put me off. Maybe I could whizz up my own, with protein powder, fruit and Greek yogurt…

Have this without blending it's much better for you sugar wise

WhatWouldTheDoctorDo · 16/07/2023 15:45

Give yourself an achievable goal. You'll notice a difference with even a half a stone off which is definitely achievable in a sustainable way in 6 weeks. No snacking between meals, plenty of water, good amount of protein at each meal. Cut out alcohol. Nutracheck or MyFitnessPal if you want to count calories (it's not for everyone, but I found it useful to help me work out any hidden calories in seemingly healthy foods). Ask your PT for strength exercises you can do outside of your session so you are doing 3x per week. Lots of brisk walks. All of these will make you look and feel better than you do now. And rapid weight loss can bring its own issues anyway - saggy skin!

WillowtreeHouse · 16/07/2023 15:49

OP I've been where you are. For me, I just counted my calories and made sure I was in a reasonable deficit to lose 1.5 lbs a week. It wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it was going to be and you could reasonably lose 10lbs by the time of your party. Do be kind to yourself, you've been through a tough time and it takes time mentally and emotionally to get 'yourself' back.

Original poster
TwoBigNoisyBoys · 16/07/2023 18:15

Thanks @WillowtreeHouse …I hope you’re well.

I’m going to up my protein, reduce my carbs, up my water and increase my exercise. No snacks, no booze. And whatever I lose will be a bonus 😊

OP posts:
Thelnebriati · 16/07/2023 18:28

I've been losing a steady pound+ a week doing low glycemic index. Its very easy to stick to.

Thereyougo10 · 16/07/2023 19:02

Intermittent fasting. Great for overall health too. Start with 16:8 and build up to a 36hr fast once a week. Amazing results. Check out Dr Mindy Pelz on YouTube, she advises on fasting for older women.

B1rd · 16/07/2023 19:07

Also download the Fitness Pal app to track your calories.

Fluffypuppy1 · 16/07/2023 19:46

I’ve lost 14 pounds, and 2 inches off of both my waist and hips in 7 weeks on the Harcombe diet. No calorie counting or fasting. The easiest “diet” I have ever done. I’m now a size 8/10, and could probably lose more, but it’s now summer holidays so I’ve had a few meals out/glasses of wine in the past week.