For many people, losing weight is a constant struggle. Whether it’s through diet, exercise, or medical interventions, shedding even a few pounds can be challenging. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open provides a clearer picture of just how tough it can be for adults with overweight or obesity to achieve meaningful weight loss.
The research, led by Dr. Lyudmyla Kompaniyets from the CDC in Atlanta, analyzed the electronic medical records of 18 million U.S. patients over a period stretching from 2009 to 2022. The findings are eye-opening and reveal just how much of an uphill battle weight loss can be for many people.
The study found that only one in ten adults with overweight or obesity managed to lose 5 percent or more of their body weight each year. This is a strikingly low success rate, considering how common weight loss goals are.
Losing 5 percent of body weight is often seen as a significant milestone that can improve health outcomes, yet only a small fraction of people are able to achieve it annually.
One of the key factors that influenced success rates was the person’s initial body mass index (BMI), which is a measure of body fat based on height and weight. Interestingly, the study showed that the heavier someone was at the start, the more likely they were to lose at least 5 percent of their body weight.
Among people who were classified as overweight, about one in 12 managed to lose that amount of weight. For those with a BMI of 45 or higher—considered severe obesity—the success rate was one in six. This suggests that people with higher BMIs may have more room for noticeable change, but it also highlights how hard it can be for those with less weight to lose.
The study also explored differences based on gender and ethnicity. Women, in general, were more successful than men at losing weight and reaching a healthier BMI. Among different ethnic groups, White women had the highest rates of successful weight loss and BMI reduction.
These differences hint that there may be cultural, biological, or lifestyle factors that play a role in how easy or difficult it is for someone to lose weight.
Looking at the longer term, the study observed weight loss patterns over three to 14 years. During this period, about one-third of people who were initially overweight and around 42 percent of those who started out as obese managed to lose 5 percent or more of their body weight.
However, actually reaching a healthy BMI was much rarer. Only 23 percent of those who were overweight and just 2 percent of those who were obese were able to achieve this goal. These statistics highlight just how hard it is not only to lose weight but to lose enough weight to fall into a healthy range.
The researchers believe that these findings point to a need for more personalized approaches in medicine and public health. Weight loss is clearly not a one-size-fits-all challenge. People may require different strategies depending on their initial weight, gender, ethnicity, and lifestyle.
Dr. Kompaniyets and her team emphasize the importance of tailored interventions that go beyond simple diet and exercise recommendations. These could include specialized support for those struggling with obesity, mental health support for emotional eating, and community programs aimed at making healthy choices easier.
The study also highlights that weight loss should not just be about losing pounds but keeping them off. Many people manage to lose weight temporarily only to gain it back later. This cycle can be discouraging and even harmful to long-term health.
According to the research, effective weight management programs should focus not only on initial weight loss but also on sustainable habits that prevent regaining the weight.
The results of this study are a reminder that losing weight is not just about willpower; it is a complex process influenced by many factors. Understanding these challenges is the first step toward creating better solutions that help people achieve their health goals in a realistic and lasting way.
If you or someone you know is working toward weight loss, it may be helpful to explore personalized plans that address individual challenges and barriers. Consulting with a healthcare provider who understands these complexities can also make a difference in finding the right approach that works for long-term health and wellness.
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