1. What is Percent Weight Loss?

Percent weight loss is a measure of how much body weight has been lost relative to the initial weight. It's commonly used in clinical settings to assess nutritional status and health risks associated with weight changes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the percent weight loss formula:

Where:

• Initial Weight — Starting weight in kilograms (kg)
• Current Weight — Current weight in kilograms (kg)

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage of the original body weight has been lost.

3. Importance of Weight Loss Calculation

Details: Significant unintentional weight loss (>5% in 1 month or >10% in 6 months) may indicate underlying health problems and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter both weights in kilograms. Initial weight must be greater than 0, and current weight should not exceed initial weight (though the formula will still calculate).

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered clinically significant weight loss?
A: Generally >5% in 1 month or >10% in 6 months is considered clinically significant and warrants medical evaluation.

Q2: How does percent weight loss differ from BMI?
A: Percent weight loss measures change over time, while BMI is a static measure of weight relative to height.

Q3: When should I be concerned about weight loss?
A: Unintentional weight loss of >5% in 6-12 months should be evaluated, especially if accompanied by other symptoms.

Q4: Can this calculator be used for weight gain?
A: Yes, it will show negative values for weight gain, indicating percentage increase from initial weight.

Q5: Why use kilograms instead of pounds?
A: Kilograms are the standard medical unit, but you can convert pounds to kg by dividing by 2.205.