What is the norm for maintenance weight?

From the Guidelines

The norm for maintenance weight is a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2, as recommended by the most recent and highest quality study 1. To achieve and maintain a healthy weight, it is essential to balance energy intake with energy expenditure. This can be done by consuming a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity.

Key Recommendations:

• Maintain a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2, as this range is associated with the lowest risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer 1.
• Monitor weight and adjust calorie intake and physical activity levels accordingly to maintain a stable weight.
• Focus on making sustainable lifestyle changes, such as eating a balanced diet and engaging in regular physical activity, rather than trying fad diets or quick fixes. Some key factors to consider when determining maintenance weight include:
• Age: Metabolic rate slows down with age, so older adults may need to consume fewer calories to maintain their weight.
• Gender: Men generally need more calories than women due to their higher muscle mass.
• Height and weight: Taller and heavier individuals need more calories to maintain their weight.
• Activity level: More active individuals need more calories to fuel their physical activity. By following these guidelines and making healthy lifestyle choices, individuals can achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reducing their risk of chronic diseases and improving their overall quality of life.

From the FDA Drug Label

for overweight adults 18 years and older: ... Ht. / Wt. 4’10” 129 lbs. 4’11” 133 lbs. 5’0” 138 lbs. 5’1” 143 lbs 5’2” 147 lbs. 5’3” 152 lbs. 5’4” 157 lbs. 5’5” 162 lbs. 5’6” 167 lbs. 5’7” 172 lbs. 5’8” 177 lbs. 5’9” 182 lbs. 5’10” 188 lbs. 5’11” 193 lbs. 6’0” 199 lbs. 6’1” 204 lbs. 6’2” 210 lbs. 6’3” 216 lbs. 6’4” 221 lbs. 6’5” 227 lbs.

The norm for maintenance weight is not explicitly stated in the provided text, but a weight chart is given, which can be used as a reference for a healthy weight.

• The chart provides height and corresponding weight values, but it does not specify how to maintain weight after reaching a weight loss goal.
• The label advises to continue with diet and exercise program if you stop taking orlistat, to prevent weight regain 2.
• It is implied that maintaining a reduced-calorie, low-fat diet and exercise program is important for weight maintenance.

From the Research

Maintenance Weight Norms

The norm for maintenance weight can be understood through various studies that have examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI), weight loss, and health outcomes.

• A study published in 2003 3 found that the ideal weight, as defined by a BMI between 18.7-24.9, may not be suitable for all adults, particularly older adults, as being heavier than recommended resulted in lower mortality rates.
• Another study from 2006 4 categorized adults into normal weight, overweight, and obese groups based on their BMI and found that overweight and obese individuals reported fair/poor health more often and had more limitations in daily activities.

BMI Categories and Weight Maintenance

Research has shown that adults in all BMI categories tend to underestimate their daily energy requirements for weight maintenance 5.

• This underestimation is more pronounced in obese individuals, males, current dieters, and those with a low-active or active physical activity level.
• A study from 2020 6 found that pharmacological therapies, such as orlistat, liraglutide, and naltrexone-bupropion, can be effective in reducing weight in adults with a BMI of 25 kg/m2 or greater.

Patient Preferences and Weight Loss Medications

A qualitative study from 2022 7 identified attributes that influence patients' decisions when considering anti-obesity medications, including cost, regimen, side effects, benefits, and non-medication attributes.

• The study highlighted the importance of considering patient preferences and comorbidities when recommending weight loss medications.
• Understanding these attributes can assist clinicians in shared decision-making and provide more effective weight management strategies for adults living with obesity.