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Metabolic health improves with 5% weight loss in obesity
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Losing 5% of body weight reveals the greatest health benefits among people with obesity, according to study findings published in Cell Metabolism.
Researchers noted that 5% weight loss lowered the risk for diabetes and cardiovascular disease as well as improved metabolic function in liver, fat and muscle tissue.
“Our findings demonstrate that you get the biggest bang for your buck with 5% weight loss,” Samuel Klein, MD, director of the Center for Human Nutrition at Washington University in St. Louis, said in a press release. “The current guidelines for treating obesity recommend a 5% to 10% weight loss, but losing 5% of your body weight is much easier than losing 10%. So it may make sense for patients to aim at the easier target.”
Samuel Klein
Klein and colleagues evaluated the effects of 5.1% weight loss (n = 19), 10.8% weight loss (n = 9), 16.4% weight loss (n = 9) and weight maintenance (n = 14) on metabolic outcomes.
A 2% decrease in fat-free mass, an 8% decrease in body fat mass, a 7% decrease in intra-abdominal adipose tissue volume and a 40% decrease in intrahepatic triglyceride content was found with 5% weight loss. Plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, triglyceride, alanine transaminase and leptin were all significantly decreased with 5% weight loss, whereas no effect was found on free fatty acids, LDL, HDL and adiponectin. Twenty-four hour ambulatory heart rate and ambulatory systolic blood pressure also were decreased with 5% weight loss.
Weight loss of more than 5% further improved beta-cell function and insulin sensitivity in the muscle and revealed changes in adipose tissue mass, intrahepatic triglyceride content and adipose tissue expression of some genes.
“Continued weight loss is good, but not all organ systems respond the same way,” Klein said in the release. “Muscle tissue responds much more to continued weight loss, but liver and adipose tissue have pretty much achieved their maximum benefit at 5% weight loss.” – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: Klein reports being a shareholder at Aspire Bariatrics and has served on the scientific advisory boards for Novo Nordisk and Takeda Pharmaceuticals.
Perspective
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Sangeeta Kashyap, MD
Patients with obesity are at higher risk for development of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Diet and exercise result in modest weight of 5% to 10%. The use of antiobesity pharmacotherapy along with diet can achieve greater weight loss of 10% to 15%. Finally, marked weight loss of 20% to 30% is typically seen following bariatric surgery. Magkos and colleagues describe the metabolic and health benefits of 5%, 10% and 15% weight loss in obese, insulin-resistant individuals. They found that 5% weight loss resulted in significant improvements in multiorgan insulin sensitivity, pancreatic beta cell function, blood pressure and heart rate. With greater weight loss, a dose-dependent improvement in muscle metabolism and adipose tissue biology was seen, which affected systemic markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. On a clinical level, 5% weight loss is highly feasible and can significantly benefit patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. We can now advise patients that progressive weight loss in the 10% to 15% range can further improve systemic factors that directly impact cardiometabolic health. This article supports the therapeutic effects of greater weight loss on health benefits.
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