C25k weight loss

[BigDahliaFan]

I’ve lost a stone and a half over the last year. Weights and, mainly, eating better. More veg, fibre, protein, fewer white carbs.

does C25k actually help you lose weight? I’m 55 and need to lose another stone. I know it’s mostly food that makes a difference.

For me personally no it didn't. I have to control what I eat to lose weight. However c25K was brilliant in teaching me to run, so I toned up and felt fit and healthy - absolutely brilliant.

Seconded. It didn't make me lose weight, but definitely more toned. especially my bum!

I’ve run several marathons (all after 50) and gained weight training for each one.

Running is great for my shape, and both my mental and physical health.
Never made a difference to my weight though.

What it does do is make me feel great, so it's a lot easier to not overeat.

I got the most comments after I started running from people saying I looked like I'd lost weight but didn't lose anything. Like you I'd lost some weight and I'd hit a plateau so thought it might help me get back on track to lose the last stone.

I still haven't lost that last stone 10 years later! Running has made me so much fitter, I feel better and I am more toned so there are plenty of benefits. I've also found it's a really sociable exercise especially if you go to parkrun, or join a local club.

I think running is a fantastic way to feel strong and embed healthy habits, but I wouldn't necessarily rely on it for weight loss. In the initial stages of increasing volume I get phenomenally hungry and often put on a bit of weight. This levels out as I keep mileage more steady, but if you're wanting to lose weight it might make it more difficult.

And even a lot of running isn't (on its own) a sure way to lose weight. I'm currently training for an ultra marathon race, running over 50 miles a week and have absolutely no problems holding on to my love handles.

That said, I feel a million times better than when I was quite inactive, have more energy and have a very positive relationship with my body.

I hope I haven't discouraged you from getting into running - absolutely do the program, but don't go into it with the wrong sort of expectations. If you take a long term approach rather than looking for short term wins then running can be a fantastic tool.

This is really helpful, thank you. I've enjoyed getting stronger from the gym, and do a lot of walking. So feel much fitter than I did a couple of years ago.

I used to run and have done C25K before - but I was younger and slimmer and fitter.

I think if I go in with the idea that it's for my health and toning that'll be a good way.

And keep going with the healthy eating and portion sizes!

I completed the c25k a few months ago. It didn't help me loose weight and in the beginning it made me incredibly hungry. I upped my cals by 200 for a few weeks and it did level out. The same happened when I started weight training. Think it's my body adapting to a new stimulus. Running makes me feel incredible, so good for MH, cardiovascular fitness, toning muscles. It might not help with weight loss but has so many other benefits.