WeightControl.com Interview with:
Dr. Lyudmyla Kompaniyets, PhD
Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity and Obesity
National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, Georgia
WeightControl.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Overweight and obesity affect more than 70% of US adults and are risk factors for other chronic diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many cancers. This is one of the only papers to assess the probability of a 5% weight loss or reducing BMI to healthy weight among US adults with overweight and obesity.
This study focused on the probability of weight loss in a healthcare seeking population with overweight or obesity regardless of any individual’s intention to lose weight.
WeightControl.com: What are the main findings?
Response: Results suggest that 5% weight loss is more attainable at higher BMIs. Given the health benefits of clinically meaningful weight reduction at any level of excess weight, 5% or greater weight loss can be a reasonable target for obesity management efforts.
WeightControl.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: For people with overweight and obesity, even small reductions in weight can reduce the risk of weight-related chronic diseases. Clinicians and public health efforts can focus on messaging and referrals to interventions that support adults with excess weight in achieving and sustaining clinically meaningful weight loss. When talking to patients about weight and weight-related behaviors such as diet, physical activity, and sleep, clinicians should understand that patients may need additional supports to achieve weight goals.
These supports might include having access to healthy foods, safe places to be physically active, and affordable weight management programs. Because obesity is a disease, this also includes equitable access to healthcare and effective treatment such as behavioral lifestyle therapy, mental health counseling, pharmacotherapy, and surgery.
WeightControl.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this work?
Response: This study focused on the probability of weight loss in a healthcare seeking population with overweight or obesity regardless of any individual’s intention to lose weight. The study did not differentiate between intentional and unintentional weight loss, both of which could have affected the patterns seen in this sample. Further studies might consider assessing intentional or unintentional weight loss patterns at the population level as well as the probability of retaining the achieved weight or BMI reduction.
WeightControl.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: Given the health benefits of clinically meaningful weight reduction at any level of excess weight, 5% or greater weight loss can be a reasonable target for obesity management efforts. Reducing barriers in availability of and access to obesity management options, including lifestyle interventions and pharmacotherapy, could assist patients with weight management efforts. One way providers can help overcome barriers is to engage patients with non-stigmatizing, person first language. Clinicians and public health efforts can focus on messaging and referrals to interventions that support adults with excess weight in achieving and sustaining clinically meaningful weight loss. Communities can focus on increasing access to healthy foods including fruits and vegetables, safe places to be physically active including sidewalks, and affordable weight management programs.
Citation:
Kompaniyets L, Freedman DS, Belay B, et al. Probability of 5% or Greater Weight Loss or BMI Reduction to Healthy Weight Among Adults With Overweight or Obesity. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(8):e2327358. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.27358
The information on WeightControl.com is provided for educational purposes only, and is in no way intended to diagnose, cure, or treat any medical or other condition. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health and ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. In addition to all other limitations and disclaimers in this agreement, service provider and its third party providers disclaim any liability or loss in connection with the content provided on this website.
Last Updated on August 10, 2023 by weightcontrol