From the Guidelines
Significant weight loss is defined as a loss of 5-10% of body weight within 6 months, according to the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) 1. This definition is crucial in diagnosing moderate to severe malnutrition and is supported by recent studies. For instance, a study published in 2021 found that a significant amount of weight loss was observed in hospitalized patients with COVID-19, with 52% of patients experiencing 5% weight loss within the past month 1.
Key Points to Consider
- The timeframe for significant weight loss is typically within 6 months, but it can also be considered beyond 6 months if the weight loss is 10% or more 1.
- The amount of weight loss is not the only factor, as the timeframe and intentionality of the weight loss are also important considerations.
- Healthcare providers should be concerned when patients experience rapid weight loss without dietary changes or increased physical activity.
- Evaluating significant weight loss typically involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and possibly laboratory tests or imaging studies to determine the underlying cause.
- Recent studies, such as the Look AHEAD trial, have shown that significant weight loss can be achieved through lifestyle interventions, including dietary changes and increased physical activity 1.
Recommendations for Patients
- If you experience unexplained weight loss of 5% or more within 6-12 months, consult with a healthcare provider promptly to identify and address any potential underlying conditions.
- Lifestyle interventions, such as dietary changes and increased physical activity, can be effective in achieving significant weight loss and improving overall health.
- It is essential to work with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment and to monitor progress over time.
From the FDA Drug Label
Dronabinol capsules are indicated in adults for the treatment of: • anorexia associated with weight loss in patients with Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
The FDA drug label does not define what constitutes significant weight loss. 2
From the Research
Definition of Significant Weight Loss
Significant weight loss is typically defined as a weight loss of ≥5% of initial body weight, which has been shown to result in significant improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors associated with obesity 3.
Health Benefits of Weight Loss
Weight loss of ≥5% can lead to improvements in health outcomes, including:
- Reduction in cardiometabolic risk factors associated with obesity
- Improvement in obesity-related comorbidities and complications, such as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, obstructive sleep apnea, and gastroesophageal reflux disease
- Remission of type 2 diabetes
Greater Magnitude of Weight Loss
However, some obesity-related comorbidities and complications may require a greater magnitude of weight loss to achieve clinically meaningful improvements, such as:
- Weight loss of ≥10% or ≥15% for certain conditions
Weight Loss Interventions
Weight loss interventions can include:
- Lifestyle interventions
- Therapeutic options, including devices, pharmacological, and surgical approaches 3
Note that the other studies 4, 5, 6 do not provide direct evidence for the definition of significant weight loss, but rather discuss related topics such as malabsorption, anemia, and vitamin B12 deficiency, which may be relevant to weight loss interventions, particularly in the context of bariatric surgery.