There are plenty of synonyms for the phrase "pounds away" that could be used to describe losing weight or shedding unwanted pounds. Some alternative phrases include "slim down," "drop weight," "lose fat," "reduce mass," "trim body," "shed excess," "melt away pounds," "torch calories," "cut down," or "strip off weight." Each of these phrases implies the act of shedding weight or making progress towards a more desired body shape. Whether it's for health reasons or personal goals, the process of taking pounds away is never easy, but using different verbs to describe it might help make it seem more attainable.