That's what I did, started out on a Mongoose Hitch around the neighborhood. Gradually started riding ditches, vacant lots etc. My intent was not weight loss initially, it just looked like fun with those fat tires. Lost 35 pounds so far, after eight months. The thing about a Mongoose is that it is so heavy you will lose weight and if you break it it's no big loss. After 30 pounds of weight loss I got a used Kona Wo and love it.