Weight management remains a pressing challenge for many adults, particularly those who are overweight or obese.
A recent study, published in JAMA Network Open and led by Lyudmyla Kompaniyets, Ph.D., of the CDC in Atlanta, provides new insights into the dynamics of weight loss among adults in the United States.
The study analyzed electronic medical records from 18 million U.S. patients over the period from 2009 to 2022.
It found that only one in ten adults with overweight or obesity succeeded in losing 5 percent or more of their body weight per year. This statistic highlights the difficulty many people face in achieving and sustaining significant weight loss.
The research also explored how the likelihood of significant weight loss varied according to several factors, including initial body mass index (BMI). Results showed that those starting with a higher BMI were more likely to achieve this level of weight loss.
Specifically, while only one in twelve individuals with initial overweight managed to lose significant weight, the success rate improved to one in six among those with a BMI of 45 or above.
Further distinctions were observed in terms of gender and ethnicity. Women, in general, had a higher success rate than men in achieving significant weight loss and reducing their BMI to within a healthy range. Among different ethnic groups, White women were found to be the most likely to reach these health goals.
Over a longer timeframe, spanning three to 14 years, the study found that about one-third of those who were initially overweight and 41.8 percent of those initially obese were able to lose 5 percent or more of their weight.
However, when it came to achieving a healthy BMI, the outcomes were less encouraging: only 23.2 percent of the overweight group and a mere 2 percent of the obese group succeeded.
The study’s findings highlight the complex and multifaceted nature of weight management.
It underscores the importance of personalized medical interventions and public health strategies designed not only to help individuals achieve significant weight loss but also to maintain it.
The low overall success rate of annual weight loss among adults with overweight or obesity points to the need for tailored approaches that address the specific challenges faced by different demographic groups.
In conclusion, the study from the CDC underscores the significant challenges many individuals face in managing their weight effectively.
It points to the necessity of ongoing research and the development of targeted interventions that can help improve weight loss outcomes and overall health for people affected by excess weight.
This insight is crucial for healthcare providers and public health officials aiming to combat the obesity epidemic and its associated health risks.
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