Reddit’s Best Weight Loss Advice: Experts Explain What Really Works + What To Skip
From rest days to cutting liquid calories, these simple changes could lead to big results
When it comes to weight loss, sometimes the best advice doesn’t come from experts—it comes from real people who’ve been there. A recent Reddit thread in the r/WeightLossAdvice group asked users their best “underrated” weight loss advice. The post quickly gained traction, racking up 171 comments from users sharing their most effective habits that led to long-term success. From taking “rest days” to cutting liquid calories, we’re breaking down the top Reddit weight loss tips and checking in with experts to see if this Reddit weight loss advice really holds up.
Reddit weight loss advice: What works and what doesn’t
Reddit is full of firsthand weight loss experiences, and many of these underrated tips align with expert-backed strategies. But remember, what works best varies from person to person. If you’re considering adjusting your diet or exercise habits, start with one or two of these ideas and see how they work. Always consult with your doctor or a healthcare professional to ensure it’s safe and effective for you.
Take a ‘relax day’
One of the most upvoted responses came from a user who swears by allowing themselves a “relax day” each week to eat at maintenance level—meaning you’re eating enough calories to maintain your current weight—or slightly above.
“Will your weight loss be a little slower? Yeah, a lil, but people who do this seem to stick to diets better and longer without binging risks,” the user wrote. Others chimed in in agreement. “This was a massive help to me. You have one day per week with a [calorie] deficit of 0, have all your treats and even a takeaway or meal out that day kept me going,” explained one user.
Does it work? According to Catherine Gervacio, RND, nutrition consultant for WOWMD, incorporating a maintenance day can be beneficial within reason. “Sometimes it’s nice to give your brain a break from tracking or clean eating,” she explains. “The key is not turning a rest day into a rest week. Consistency matters.” For long-term success, Gervacio emphasizes that fast food or processed foods should only be seen as occasional add-ons.
Drink water and wait before eating
Another popular tip on the Reddit weight loss forum? Simply drink water and wait to see if you’re actually hungry. One user’s best advice: “Drinking water and waiting 15 minutes to see if I’m actually hungry or if my brain was confusing thirst signals with hunger signals.” Others agreed that it helped prevent mindless snacking or emotional eating. “This is a great response. Am I bored or hungry? Water is such a useful option in those instances,” another noted. And if you have a good reusable water bottle on hand, you can sip throughout the day.
One user shared their daily routine of drinking one cup of water as soon as they woke up, one before each meal and one an hour before bedtime. “I lost about 20 lbs just by doing this,” they wrote. (See how much water you need to drink to lose weight here.)
Does it work? “If perceived hunger disappears after drinking water, it may have just been thirst,” explains nutritional coach Kate Lyman. “However, [it isn’t] always sustainable if we lack the skills and habits to manage real hunger without overeating.” Ignoring our hunger cues can sometimes lead to overeating in the future. Lyman suggests choosing a snack that’s full of protein and fiber to keep you full. These include eggs, hummus and veggies, fruit or Greek yogurt.
Cut out liquid calories
For many Redditors, ditching liquid calories, especially alcohol and sugary drinks, helped significantly. “Just cutting alcohol made a huge impact with losing weight but also everything else,” one user shared. Another agreed, saying, “This has honestly been one of the biggest things for me for weight loss. Liquid calories are such a waste.”
Does it work? “On average, Americans get about 18 percent of their calories from beverages, especially sugar-sweetened ones,” says Dalia Beydoun, MS, RD, founder of DSB Nutrition. “By swapping them out, you can easily lower your caloric intake, which leads to weight loss over time without making a huge sacrifice.” Instead, Beydoun suggests lower calorie options, including diet sodas, coffee, tea or simply more water.
Spend more time outside
One Redditor shared how simply stepping outside for 10 minutes a day made a big difference in their motivation. “Spending 10 minutes in the sunshine a day. Getting out to even just ‘stand’ in the sun has me motivated to go for a walk once I’m out there,” they wrote. Being outside also helped others with their walking goals. “Biggest thing for me has been getting 8k-10k steps a day,” they added.
Does it work? The act of getting outside often leads to more movement, whether it’s a short walk or a more intense workout. “Walking is one of the most underrated weight loss tools out there,” says Gervacio. “It’s gentle on your body, easy to stick with and doesn’t require any special equipment or gym memberships.” Even walking more steps than you did the week before makes a difference.
Scale back on snacking
Several Reddit users emphasized the importance of managing snacking habits, particularly at night, to help reach their weight loss goals. “It’s easier to exercise self-control in the shop than in the home,” one Redditor pointed out, recommending strategic grocery shopping (such as buying fruit over junk food).
Another tip? “I floss and brush my teeth right after the last meal of the day. That way I don’t snack during the evening,” advised another user. Others claim going to bed earlier or implementing a cut-off time at night, such as 8 pm, helps, too.
Does it work? “Some of these hacks can be helpful, but whether they’re sustainable or not depends on the person,” says Beydoun. “Brushing your teeth after dinner or pre-portioning snacks can work well for some people. But long term, it’s more important to focus on building mindful eating habits. If a ‘hack’ feels restrictive or forced, it probably won’t stick.”
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