Adherence
Setting unrealistic initial weight loss goals (e.g., >10% or ~20% of body weight) does not negatively impact actual weight loss outcomes or treatment attrition in behavioral weight management programs.
If you have a big weight loss goal, don't stress that it's 'unrealistic' or that it will cause you to quit. The data shows that having a high goal (like 20% body weight) does not make you less likely to lose weight or drop out of a program compared to someone with a modest goal. Focus on the behavioral steps (diet/exercise) rather than worrying that your target number is too high.
Weight loss goals were not associated with weight loss at 3 (p = 0.75) or 12 months (p = 0.47)... Weight loss goals were not related to attrition at 3 (p = 0.91) or 12 months (p = 0.86).
Why this rating
Randomized controlled trial design with a large sample size (N=308) and objective weight measurements.
Source
Initial weight loss goals: have they changed and do they matter?
Michelle R. Lent et al. · Obesity Science & Practice · 2016
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 →