One question I get frequently is what are realistic weight loss goals for overweight and obese individuals? I think that setting weight loss goals requires a balance between being realistic on one hand and not discouraging people from working hard to achieve weight loss on the other hand. In our weight management program we tell people that the active weight loss period is six months. At the end of 6 months, they need shift their focus to keeping off the weight loss they have achieved. We discuss the fact that the higher their weight loss goal, the more permanent behavior change will be needed to achieve and maintain their goal weight.
For most people, we recommend setting an initial weight loss goal of 10% of beginning weight. If people achieve this, they should celebrate success and can go on to a second higher goal This is realistic, since most people will likely not achieve more than 10% weight loss in 6 months. It also does not discourage those few individuals who can achieve greater weight loss. Keep in mind that the very best weight management programs achieve an average weight loss of 7-10% over 6 months. Achieving a 10% wieght loss can dramatically improve health and quality of life for most people. We also tell people that if they find they can sustain a lifestyle that allows them to keep off the weight they lose, they can go back through another weight loss period and lose more weight. It is very important that they realize this will require even more behavior change. At the end of the day, we try to help people achieve a weight that they are comfortable with and a lifestyle that they can sustain permanently. Many people reach a point where they would like to lose more weight but do not feel that they can change their lifestyle any further. I believe that most people can achieve an acceptable weight, even if it is not their dream weight.
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