Healthy weight loss typically occurs at 1-2 pounds per week (maximum). Adults with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or higher, or whose body fat percentage is in the obese category, are encouraged to begin a weight loss program by losing 5-10% of their initial body weight over a 3 to the 6-month period (ACSM 2014). In this case, it might be appropriate to lose weight at a faster rate since the individual will have more weight to lose.