Hi everyone! I thru-hiked last year and lost 65 lbs (233 lbs to 168 lbs).

About a month prior to my trip I began to supplement my diet with 1000 mg of Vitamin C daily (the body can't process more than 1000 mg per day). I continued this on my AT hike.

I learned later that Vitamin C helps convert fat to energy. Although I went from basically couch potatoe straight to the trail, I attribute the rapid weight loss to the assist from Vitamin C.

I know I still would have lost weight but vitamin C helped speed up the process. I dropped 30 by the time I hit Pearisburg, 40 lbs by Harper's Ferry, and 55 by Delaware Water Gap.

I also recommend taking glucosamine, an amino acid, for your knees and joints (although I didn't take it on the trail I wish I had; I'm taking it now).

One other thing you need to be aware of. If your sweat begins to smell like amonia, it means you're burning muscle; you've run out of fat to burn so pile on the carbs!

Good luck hikers!