When to End a Cut

Nutrition Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hey Doc,

Was hoping to get some advice on whether to continue my cut or to pause!

32 y/o male
5’10
Starting weight (1/7): 217 lbs
Current weight (4/6): 191 lbs

I’ve realized that I was carrying much more body fat than I wanted to admit, and in order to get to my desired level of leanness I am going to have to go to 170-175.

Since I am currently on week 13 of my cut, do you think I should pause and do a reverse diet/maintenance phase before cutting again or should I just push through? I saw some things published by RP recently advocating that a fat loss phase go no longer than 12 weeks, but I feel great at the moment.

My cut has been pretty aggressive:
1800 cals (+ vegetables - not tracking those) 180 c /40 f / 180 p
​​​Lifting high volume 4 days/week + soccer 1-2 days/week.
Minimal strength losses so far .

Any input would be appreciated - thanks!

2

I wouldn’t put an arbitrary limit on the time you (or anyone else) are on a calorie deficit if compliance is going well. Carry on my friend.

3

Great - thank you! 12 weeks did sound arbitrary. I will push forward.

4

Awesome. I am almost 5 months in my current cut now. I did have a 1 week diet break and it was great for my sanity and further weight loss.
But I was half hearted first 12 weeks, so, I am down about 22 lbs so far and I also need to lose another 10-15 lbs. You are right even I didn’t know how much fat I carried.
Bought myself a calliper and one inch above the hips on the side I am still measuring 11 mm… I want it further down. Half hearted cut for 1 year and I even ran 12 week template in between as a diet break and hit lifetime PRs. I have lost all the PRs this past 20 weeks but I will get them back…