New research to be presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) in Malaga, Spain, highlights that weight loss programs targeting specific percentages often fail to meet their goals. The study, led by Dr. Sanjeev Sockalingam from Obesity Canada and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, Canada, suggests that a broader approach, focusing on improving obesity-related complications, quality of life, and overall physical and social functioning, should be considered instead.
The complexity of obesity as a disease, linked to a range of health complications, makes it crucial to identify the most appropriate targets for its management. Traditionally, weight loss percentage has been a key outcome measure, but the study found that this target often results in a “success or failure” outcome, neglecting other factors that can significantly impact the lives of individuals with obesity. This scoping review aimed to assess the effectiveness of percentage-based weight loss targets and their correlation with health outcomes.
The authors conducted a review of studies from major databases, including Cochrane, MEDLINE, and EMBASE, up to July 2024. The review focused on peer-reviewed studies in adults with obesity that aimed for specific weight loss percentages. Data were extracted and analyzed to explore the link between targeted weight loss goals and health improvements.
The analysis reviewed 30 studies, including randomized controlled trials and non-randomized trials, published between 1992 and 2024. The studies primarily targeted 3% to 10% weight loss, with a few targeting higher percentages. The review found a significant gap between the targeted and achieved weight loss, with one-third of studies lacking post-study data on BMI or weight changes. Furthermore, the rationale behind selecting specific weight loss goals varied from disease-specific outcomes to improving quality of life. However, few studies considered broader health benefits beyond weight loss.
The review also examined the origins of the common 5% weight loss target. The authors found that this target was initially based on a small number of well-funded studies showing health benefits with a 5% weight loss. However, the current review did not quantitatively assess how frequently individuals achieved the 5% goal. It was noted that in some studies, only one-third of participants reached a 10% weight loss target or more.
The research emphasized the need to move beyond weight loss as the sole focus. Many of the studies reviewed involved populations with obesity-related conditions, and health outcomes such as improvements in nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle were often seen, regardless of weight loss. The authors argue that interventions should prioritize health benefits beyond weight reduction.
In conclusion, the review suggests that existing weight loss targets are often unrealistic and unsustainable. Obesity management would benefit from focusing on more comprehensive, patient-centered goals, such as improving obesity-related health complications, enhancing quality of life, and boosting physical and social functioning. These parameters could provide more meaningful success measures than simply focusing on weight reduction.
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