When a person decides to lose weight, they often think only about the number the scale shows. However, the real goal of treatment is not to lose kilos quickly, but to improve health and reduce the risk of diseases associated with overweight and obesity.
We now know that a moderate weight loss, sustained over time, can produce very important benefits, even before reaching an "ideal weight."
How much weight is necessary to lose?
It is not always necessary to lose a lot of weight to obtain benefits.
Studies show that losing between 5% and 10% of body weight can significantly improve:
- • blood pressure;
- • insulin resistance;
- • blood glucose;
- • fatty liver;
- • cholesterol and triglycerides;
- • mobility and quality of life.
Each amount of weight lost represents an opportunity to improve metabolic health.
Not all strategies work the same
Very restrictive diets tend to produce rapid weight loss, but they also increase the risk of regaining the lost weight.
Modern obesity treatment aims to achieve sustainable changes that can be maintained for years.
This includes:
- • healthy eating adapted to each person;
- • regular physical activity;
- • good rest;
- • stress management;
- • behavioral support when needed;
- • drug treatment or medical procedures in indicated cases.
There is no single strategy valid for everyone. The best treatment is one that adapts to each person's needs, medical history and goals.
Weight loss is a process
It is normal for periods to occur during treatment in which weight stabilizes or decreases more slowly.
This does not mean the treatment has stopped working. The body activates biological mechanisms in an attempt to regain the lost weight, which is why medical follow-up and treatment adjustments are essential.
Success does not consist of losing weight quickly, but of building habits that allow results to be maintained long term.
A message to take away
Healthy weight loss does not consist of following a diet for a few weeks.
It is about improving metabolic health, preventing disease, and learning habits you can maintain for a lifetime.
Each person has a different starting point. That's why a personalized treatment always offers better results than generic solutions or promises of quick results.
Bibliographic references
- • Elmaleh-Sachs A, Schwartz JL, Bramante CT, et al. Obesity Management in Adults: A Review. JAMA. 2023.
- • Wharton S, Lau DCW, Vallis M, et al. Obesity in Adults: A Clinical Practice Guideline. Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ). 2020.
- • European Association for the Study of Obesity (EASO). European Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Obesity in Adults.
- • American Association of Clinical Endocrinology (AACE). Clinical Practice Guidelines for Comprehensive Medical Care of Patients with Obesity. 2022.
- • Jensen MD, Ryan DH, Apovian CM, et al. 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS Guideline for the Management of Overweight and Obesity in Adults. Circulation. 2014.
- • World Obesity Federation. Changing the Narrative: Obesity as a Chronic Relapsing Disease.