Counting calories. Planning workouts. Trying not to cave when someone brings pastries into the office. Weight loss can start to feel like a full-time job. And then the internet piles on with ten different “best” methods. Keto. Fasting. Low fat. High protein. It’s a lot.
Instead of jumping into another restrictive plan, some people are turning to something simpler. Better questions. Smarter planning. Registered dietitian and fitness professional Julie shared in her 1 May 2025 Instagram post how using ChatGPT as a “free digital coach” can make fat loss feel less chaotic and more structured, if you know what to ask.
“Use AI to help you get personalised advice. Here’s the ChatGPT weight loss guide you need,” she said.
5 powerful ChatGPT prompts to help you lose weight faster
1. Calculate a healthy calorie deficit
Before cutting calories blindly, Julie suggests getting a personalised estimate. The prompt she shares:
“Help me find a healthy calorie deficit. I weigh 180 lbs, I’m 45 years old, female, 5’3”, and work out 3x/week. What should my calorie goal be?”
She explains that including age, height, weight and activity level allows AI tools to generate a more realistic starting point. Not perfect. But structured. It helps shift the focus from random restriction to data-based planning.
2. Get a personalised meal plan for fat loss
Scrolling endlessly for “healthy meals” can backfire. Too many options. Not enough clarity. Julie suggests trying:
“Create a simple 1700-calorie meal plan that supports blood sugar balance and midlife weight loss. I love chicken and pasta, hate seafood.”
The idea is specificity. When preferences are included, the output becomes practical. Less theoretical. More doable. Personalisation increases the odds that you’ll actually follow the plan.
3. Plan workouts around your real schedule
Time is usually the first excuse. Or the first obstacle. For people juggling long shifts, Julie recommends this prompt:
“I work 12-hour shifts 3x/week with a 30-minute commute. I have 30 mins for exercise Mon-Fri. Create a workout schedule.”
Instead of idealistic gym routines, this produces something that fits actual life. Thirty minutes means thirty minutes. Structured, repeatable, manageable.
4. Understand hormone-related weight gain
Midlife weight changes can feel confusing, especially when habits haven’t shifted much. Julie suggests asking:
“I’m 52, experiencing mood swings and belly fat gain without lifestyle changes. Explain possible hormonal causes.”
She notes that responses can provide context to discuss with a healthcare professional. Not a diagnosis. Not a substitute for medical advice. But a starting point for more informed conversations.
5. Troubleshoot weight loss plateaus
Plateaus can be frustrating. You’re doing “everything right.” The scale disagrees. Julie shares this prompt:
“I’m eating healthy and exercising, but can’t lose weight in midlife. What are 3 possible reasons?”
Instead of generic advice, this can highlight areas like stress, sleep, metabolic adaptation or hidden calorie intake. Specific possibilities. Not just “eat less, move more.”
ALSO READ: No crash diet, no cheats: What a fitness coach actually ate to lose 5 kilos
The broader takeaway is not that AI replaces dietitians or doctors. It doesn’t. But used carefully, it can help organise thoughts, clarify goals and remove some of the guesswork that makes weight loss feel overwhelming. Sometimes the difference isn’t a new diet. It’s better questions.
Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.
