After initial weight loss, what maintenance weight change range is generally considered stable?

After initial weight loss, what maintenance weight change range is generally considered stable?

• A. Within ±5% of post-weight-loss weight for 6-12 months
• B. Within ±10% for 3-6 months
• C. Within ±2% for 12-24 months
• D. Within ±7% for 6-12 months

Answer: (A)

Stability after weight loss means keeping the weight near the new lower value with only small fluctuations over time. A common standard in obesity care is to stay within about 5% of the post-weight-loss weight for roughly 6 to 12 months. This range recognizes natural day-to-day and measurement variability (hydration, menstrual cycle, salt intake, etc.) while indicating the loss is being maintained rather than regained. Larger swings for shorter periods (like ±10% for 3–6 months or ±7% for 6–12 months) tolerate more regain and aren’t as reliable as a true maintenance signal. A ±2% range is typically too strict for real-world maintenance over a year or more. Therefore, staying within ±5% of the post-weight-loss weight for 6–12 months best represents stable maintenance.

Stability after weight loss means keeping the weight near the new lower value with only small fluctuations over time. A common standard in obesity care is to stay within about 5% of the post-weight-loss weight for roughly 6 to 12 months. This range recognizes natural day-to-day and measurement variability (hydration, menstrual cycle, salt intake, etc.) while indicating the loss is being maintained rather than regained. Larger swings for shorter periods (like ±10% for 3–6 months or ±7% for 6–12 months) tolerate more regain and aren’t as reliable as a true maintenance signal. A ±2% range is typically too strict for real-world maintenance over a year or more. Therefore, staying within ±5% of the post-weight-loss weight for 6–12 months best represents stable maintenance.