Energy balance
Losing 9.0 kg (20 lb) or more improves physical function and vitality in overweight and obese women (BMI ≥30.0 kg/m2), but paradoxically decreases physical function and vitality in lean women (BMI <25.0 kg/m2).
If you are overweight, losing weight (especially 20+ pounds) can significantly improve your physical function and energy. However, if you are already lean, losing significant weight may be a sign of underlying health issues and could worsen your physical function. Focus on maintaining your weight if you are lean.
Weight loss in overweight women was associated with improved physical function and vitality as well as decreased bodily pain... among women in the lowest BMI category, a comparable weight loss was paradoxically associated with a 12-point decrease in physical function
Why this rating
Large prospective cohort, but the subgroup of lean women losing significant weight was small (n=95), and involuntary loss (illness) could not be fully ruled out.
Source
A Prospective Study of Weight Change and Health-Related Quality of Life in Women
Jennifer Fine · JAMA · 1999
DOI 10.1001/jama.282.22.2136
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
- Bariatric surgery is superior to medical management alone for inducing significant long-term weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and reduction in mortality for patients with BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities.Strong
- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →