Standard diet duration: ① short-term goal (3–5kg): 1 month, ② moderate goal (5–10kg): 3 months (most common), ③ long-term goal (10kg+): 6 months, ④ maintenance phase: 1–3 months post-target. Why 3 months? Body needs time to: ① adjust setpoint weight, ② establish new metabolism, ③ change eating habits, ④ rebuild muscle. Continuous evaluation every 4 weeks adjusts plan. Long-term success requires 6+ months perspective with healthy lifestyle integration.