Research

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Using percent body weight loss as the sole target for obesity management is not ideal because it is often not feasible or sustainable for most participants and fails to capture holistic health outcomes.

Stop fixating on a specific percentage of weight loss as the only measure of success. For many people, achieving even a modest weight loss is not sustainable. Instead, focus on patient-centered outcomes like improved blood pressure, better glycemic control, and increased quality of life, which can be achieved through various lifestyle changes regardless of the final number on the scale.

GoodRefutesHIGH confidence
Percent weight loss targets were based on similar research and were often not feasible nor sustainable for most participants.
Diana Sherifali et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2025

Why this rating

Based on a scoping review of 30 studies, mostly RCTs, providing a broad evidence base.

Source

Missing the Target: A Scoping Review of the Use of Percent Weight Loss for Obesity Management

Diana Sherifali et al. · Obesity Reviews · 2025

systematic_reviewCited 7×
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