1. What is Percent Body Weight Lost?

Percent body weight lost is a measure of weight reduction expressed as a percentage of initial body weight. It provides a standardized way to compare weight loss across individuals of different sizes.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• Initial Weight — Starting body weight in kilograms
• Current Weight — Current body weight in kilograms

Explanation: The formula calculates what percentage of your original body weight you have lost.

3. Importance of Tracking Weight Loss

Details: Measuring weight loss as a percentage rather than absolute kilograms provides a more meaningful measure of progress, especially when comparing individuals of different sizes or when setting clinical goals.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your initial weight and current weight in kilograms. Both values must be positive numbers, with initial weight greater than current weight for weight loss.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why use percent lost instead of kilograms lost?
A: Percent lost accounts for differences in starting weight, making it more comparable between individuals of different sizes.

Q2: What is considered significant weight loss?
A: Clinically significant weight loss is typically considered to be ≥5% of body weight, which is associated with health benefits.

Q3: When should I measure my weight?
A: For consistency, measure at the same time of day (preferably morning), after using the bathroom, and before eating.

Q4: Can this calculator show weight gain?
A: Yes, if current weight is higher than initial weight, the result will be a negative percentage indicating weight gain.

Q5: Is BMI better than percent weight loss?
A: They serve different purposes - BMI categorizes weight status, while percent loss measures change over time.