CONCLUSIONES Y RECOMENDACIONES

The general goals of weight loss and manage- ment are: (1) to reduce body weight; and (2) to maintain a lower body weight over the long term; or (3) at a minimum, to prevent further weight gain. Specific targets for each of these goals can be considered.

1. Weight Loss

1.a. Target levels for weight loss—The initial target goal of weight loss therapy for overweight patients is to decrease body weight by about 10 percent. If this target can be achieved, considera- tion can be given to the next step of further weight loss.

Evidence Statement:Overweight and obese patients in well-designed programs can achieve a weight loss of as much as 10 percent of baseline weight, a weight loss that can be maintained for a sustained period of time (1 year or longer). Evidence Category A.

Rationale:The rationale for this initial goal is that even moderate weight loss, i.e., 10 percent of initial body weight, can significantly decrease the severity of obesity-associated risk factors. It can also set the stage for further weight loss, if indicated. Available evidence indicates that an average weight loss of 8 percent can be achieved in 6 months; however, since the observed aver- age 8 percent includes people who do not lose weight, an individual goal of 10 percent is rea- sonable. This degree of weight loss can be achieved and is realistic, and moderate weight loss can be maintained over time. It is better to maintain a moderate weight loss over a prolonged period than to regain from a marked weight loss. The latter is counterproductive in terms of time, costs, and self-esteem. Patients generally will wish to lose more weight than 10 percent, and will need to be counseled and persuaded of the appropri- ateness of this initial goal. 553, 554_{Further weight} loss can be considered after this initial goal is achieved and maintained for 6 months.

RECOMMENDATION: The initial goal of

weight loss therapy should be to reduce body weight by approximately 10 percent

from baseline. With success, further weight loss can be attempted, if indicated through further assessment. Evidence Category A.

1.b. Rate of weight loss—A reasonable time line for weight loss is to achieve a 10 percent reduc- tion in body weight over 6 months of therapy. For overweight patients with BMIs in the typical range of 27 to 35, a decrease of 300 to 500 kcal/day will result in weight losses of about 1_⁄

2to 1 lb/week and a 10 percent weight loss in 6 months. For more severely obese patients with BMIs ≥35, deficits of up to 500 to 1,000 kcal/day will lead to weight losses of about 1 to 2 lb/week and a 10 percent weight loss in 6 months.

Evidence Statement:Weight loss at the rate of 1 to 2 lb/week (calorie deficit of 500 to 1,000 kcal/day) commonly occurs for up to 6 months, at which point weight loss begins to plateau unless a more restric- tive regimen is implemented. Evidence Category B.

Rationale:To achieve significant weight loss, an energy deficit must be created and maintained. Weight can be lost at a rate of 1 to 2 lb/week with a calorie deficit of 500 to 1,000 kcal/day. After 6 months, this caloric deficit theoretically should result in a loss of 26 to 52 lb. However, the average amount of weight lost actually observed over this time period usually is in the range of 20 to 25 lb. A greater rate of weight loss does not yield a better result at the end of 1 year. 437_{It is difficult for most patients to contin-} ue to lose weight after a period of 6 months due to changes in resting metabolic rates and diffi- culty in adhering to treatment strategies, although some can do so. To continue to lose weight, diet and physical activity goals need to

be revised to create an energy deficit at the lower weight, since energy requirements decrease as weight is decreased. To achieve additional weight loss, the patient must further decrease calories and/or increase physical activity. Many studies show that rapid weight reduction almost always is followed by regaining of weight. Moreover, with rapid weight reduction, there is an increased risk for gallstones and, possibly, elec- trolyte abnormalities.

RECOMMENDATION: Weight loss should be about 1 to 2 lb/week for a period of 6 months with the subsequent strategy based on the amount of weight lost. Evidence Category B.

2. Weight Maintenance at Lower Weight Once the goals of weight loss have been success- fully achieved, maintenance of a lower body weight becomes a major challenge. In the past, obtaining the goal of weight loss has been con- sidered the end of weight loss therapy.

Unfortunately, once patients are dismissed from clinical therapy, they frequently regain the lost weight. This report recommends that observa- tion, monitoring, and encouragement of patients who have successfully lost weight be continued on a long-term basis.

Evidence Statement:After 6 months of weight loss treatment, efforts to maintain weight loss through diet, physical activity, and behavior therapy are important. Evidence Category B.

Rationale:After 6 months of weight loss, the rate of weight loss usually declines and plateaus. 395, 507, 555 _{The primary care practitioner and} patient should recognize that at this point, weight

maintenance, the second phase of the weight loss effort, should take priority. Successful weight maintenance is defined as a weight regain of < 3 kg (6.6 lb) in 2 years and a sustained reduction in waist circumference of at least 4 cm. If a patient wishes to lose more weight after a period of weight maintenance, the procedure for weight loss outlined above can be repeated.

RECOMMENDATION: A weight mainte-

nance program should be a priority after the initial 6 months of weight loss therapy. Evidence Category B.

Evidence Statement:Lost weight usually will be regained unless a weight mainte- nance program consisting of dietary thera- py, physical activity, and behavior therapy is continued indefinitely. Drug therapy can also be used; however, drug safety and effi- cacy beyond 1 year of total treatment have not been established. Evidence Category B.

Rationale:After a patient has achieved the goals of weight loss, the combined modalities of thera- py (dietary therapy, physical activity, and behav- ior therapy) must be continued indefinitely; oth- erwise, excess weight likely will be regained. Numerous strategies are available for motivating the patient; all of these require that the practi- tioner continue to communicate frequently with the patient. Long-term monitoring and encour- agement can be accomplished in several ways: by regular clinic visits, at group meetings, or via telephone or E-mail. The longer the weight maintenance phase can be sustained, the better the prospects for long-term success in weight reduction. Drug therapy may also be helpful during the weight maintenance phase.

RECOMMENDATION: After successful

weight loss, the likelihood of weight loss maintenance is enhanced by a program consisting of dietary therapy, physical activ- ity, and behavior therapy, which should be continued indefinitely. Drug therapy can also be used. However, drug safety and efficacy beyond 1 year of total treatment have not been established. Evidence Category B.

3. Prevention of Further Weight Gain

Some patients may not be able to achieve signifi- cant weight reduction. In such patients, an important goal is to prevent further weight gain that would exacerbate disease risk. Thus, preven- tion of further weight gain may justify entering a patient into weight loss therapy. Prevention of further weight gain can be considered a partial therapeutic success for many patients. Moreover, if further weight gain can be prevented, this achievement may be an important first step toward beginning the weight loss process. Primary care practitioners ought to recognize the importance of this goal for those patients who are not able to immediately lose weight. The need to prevent weight gain may warrant main- taining patients in a weight management pro- gram for an extended period.