[Indy]

I have started bike riding about 6.2 miles 6 days a week. I usually go between 12-15 mph. I am 164 at the moment and am looking to lose 40 pounds. If I watch what I eat will I lose weight this way? How long would it take?

Thank you

[tjjjohnson]

It depends on a whole bunch of factors but you're likely to be burning 200-250 calories on each of your cycling trips. It's a huge oversimplification but if we assume you burn enough fat to supply that energy you'll be using about 22 grams of fat on each of the 6 days. That's 133 grams per week. So it would take you about 3.5 weeks to lose a pound. So it would most likely take a couple of years to lose the weight with that approach. If you're quite unfit at the moment you'll probably lose more weight in the begin as your body puts more energy into growing new muscle and improving your cardio vascular system.

Having said that though, the bike riding is a great way to start an exercise program and if you add some kalisthenics to stimulate your metabolism more you will lose the weight a lot faster. Some small dietary changes can also make a big difference. Trying swapping some of the high calorie low nutrient foods in your diet for something with less calories but higher nutrient density

[Rena42]

Adding exercise such as biking to your daily routine will help but you have to watch what you eat as well. I started biking last summer, up to 20 miles a day. I lost 30lbs. in three months but I also changed what I ate. I stopped all liqued calories such as soda and anything with sugar. I dont' eat beef. Chicken and turkey grilled, lots of fresh veggies and fruits. I don't eat any processed food anymore. Don't give up. Men do loose weight faster than women. You may also want to try lifting weights was well. Muscle burns more calories than fat. Good Luck and don't give up!!