How long would it take on average to lose 1% body fat?

I know 1-2lbs a week is ideal for weight loss, however how long does it take to get a percentage drop in body fat? Mo -- Great information, but not realistic. yes 1 lb of body fat is 3500 calories. However when you lose weight, you don't know if that weight is pure fat, or fat and muscle, or water weight with fat and muscle. The majority of the time when someone goes on a diet and does cardio only for weight loss they lose some muscle. Example: bob goes to gym, loses 2 lbs in one week. He didn't lose 2 lbs of PURE fat. He loses water weight, majority fat, and some muscle. So that one necessarily = 1% body fat loss. However your answer is the most accurate, and makes sense.

Public Comments

1. that depends on how much 1% is which depends on the starting weight. it might take a day or it might take a week.
2. For topic sake: Weight = 100 lbs. Height = 5'0". Body fat % = 10%. Body fat lbs. = 10 lbs. 1 lb. Body fat = 3500 calories. Basal Metabolic Rate at measurements = Approx. 1250. Recommended daily caloric intake = Approx. 1750. At that weight to lose 1 lb. of body fat, the person would have to reduce their diet by 250 calories a day (1500 calories eaten). Math - 3500 / 250 = 14 days. The more you weigh, the easier it is to lose, because most people can eat 500 less calories a day while dieting.