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There is good evidence to suggest that a moderate weight loss of 5–10% of body weight will have a major impact on the physical and metabolic complications of obesity.21 Weight reductions of 5–10 kg have been shown to improve back and joint pain, symptoms of breathlessness and sleep apnoea.22 Marked improvements in blood pressure and other risk factors for coronary heart disease have also been observed in individuals successful at losing weight.23 Two recent studies have demonstrated that a substantial number of cases of diabetes could be prevented through modest weight loss (i.e. <5 kg).24,25
The degree of weight loss necessary to achieve health benefits may of course vary among patients. To the obese patient, however, benefits may be measured by a completely non-medical set of personal criteria, such as being able to fit into their clothes.
Benefits of 10% weight loss
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Mortallity |
- >20% decrease in total mortallity
- >30% decrease in diabetes related deaths
- >40% decrease in obesity related cancers
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Blood pressure |
- fall of 10 mmHg systolic
- fall of 20 mmHg diastolic
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Diabetes |
- 30 - 50% fall in fasting glucose
- 50% fall in risk of diabetes developing
- 15% decrease in HbA1c
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Lipids |
- 10% decrease in total cholesterol
- 15% decrease in LDL cholesterol
- 30% decrease in triglycerides
- 8% increase in HDL cholesterol
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Adapted from Jung, 1997. 21
The potential negative consequences of weight loss:
- Rapid weight loss increases risk of developing gallstones
- Loss of bone mineral density has been associated with being underweight
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