Managing weight is a major health concern for many adults, especially those who are overweight or obese.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open offers some important insights into how often people with excess weight are able to lose a meaningful amount of weight.
The study was led by Dr. Lyudmyla Kompaniyets from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta. Researchers looked at the electronic medical records of 18 million adults in the U.S. between 2009 and 2022.
The results showed that only one in 10 adults with overweight or obesity were able to lose at least 5% of their body weight in a year. Losing this amount of weight is considered a meaningful improvement for health, but it appears to be difficult for most people.
The chances of success depended on how high a person’s body mass index (BMI) was to begin with. People with a higher BMI were more likely to achieve this kind of weight loss. For example, only one in 12 people with initial overweight managed to lose 5% of their weight in a year. But among those with a BMI of 45 or higher, one in 6 achieved it.
The study also looked at differences by gender and ethnicity. Women were more likely than men to lose weight and to bring their BMI into a healthy range. Among different ethnic groups, White women had the highest success rates in both areas.
When looking over a longer period—three to 14 years—the numbers improved. About one in three people who were overweight at the start lost at least 5% of their weight, while nearly 42% of people with obesity achieved the same result.
Still, the number of people who reached a healthy BMI was much lower: just 23% of those initially overweight and only 2% of those initially obese.
These findings show how difficult long-term weight loss can be, especially for those with higher starting BMIs. The study’s authors say that more personalized approaches are needed in healthcare and public health efforts. They call for better support and programs that help people not only lose weight but keep it off.
In conclusion, this study shines a light on the tough reality of weight loss for many adults. The success rates are low, and results vary based on a person’s starting weight, gender, and ethnicity. More effective and tailored strategies are needed to help people manage their weight and improve their overall health.
If you care about weight management, please read studies about diets that could boost your gut health and weight loss, and 10 small changes you can make today to prevent weight gain.
For more health information, please see recent studies about low-carb keto diet could manage obesity effectively and results showing popular weight loss diet linked to heart disease and cancer.
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