Recent findings suggest that even small amounts of weight loss can lead to significant improvements in glycemic measures, triglycerides, blood pressure, and HDL cholesterol, which are crucial for diabetes prevention. For individuals with impaired glucose tolerance, modest weight loss (5-10%) can effectively reduce the risk of progressing to type 2 diabetes. Further weight loss beyond 10 kg offers limited additional benefits in risk reduction. This trend is also observed in patients with higher BMI levels, where modest weight loss yields similar health benefits. However, for conditions like obstructive sleep apnea and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, more substantial weight loss (10-15%) is needed to achieve clinical improvements. Additionally, modest weight loss can improve quality of life, mental health, and reproductive health, with further benefits observed with greater weight loss.

Studies suggest clinicians should focus on health improvements rather than aiming for a specific weight loss percentage. Tailoring weight management goals to the individual’s health needs and assessing responses to targeted health goals can be more effective than striving for a predefined weight loss percentage.

Reference: Ryan DH, Yockey SR. Weight Loss and Improvement in Comorbidity: Differences at 5%, 10%, 15%, and Over. Curr Obes Rep. 2017 Jun;6(2):187-194. doi: 10.1007/s13679-017-0262-y. PMID: 28455679; PMCID: PMC5497590.