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Key Recommendations for Weight Reduction

Practice Consideration

Key Recommendations for Weight Reduction
There is a broad body of research on obesity. The best results come from a weight-management program that includes a range of strategies for diet, behavior and physical activity. Long term support is critical.(1) Over time, an approach that relies on overly-restrictive practices is likely to fail; so it is important to negotiate and renegotiate goals and interventions.(2,3,4) People lose weight by reducing their energy intake, increasing energy expenditure, or both.(5) The extent to which a person's energy intake can be reduced depends on their body weight. Examples of weight loss strategies follow.(1,6,7)
  • Women: 1 200 to 1 500 kcal/day
  • Men: 1 500 to 1 800 kcal/day 
  • Reduce estimated energy intake by 500 kcal/day to lose 1 lb (0.5 kg) per week
  • Reduce estimated energy intake by 750 kcal/day to lose 1.5 lb (0.75 kg) per week
  • Reduce usual energy intake by 30 percent


References
1.  Seagle HM, Straibn GW, Makris A, Reeves RS, American Dietetic Association. Position of the American Dietetic Association: Weight Management. JADA. 2009; 109: 330-346.
2.  Snetselaar L. Nutrition Counseling Skills for the Nutrition Care Process. 44th ed. Salisbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers; 2009.
3.  Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Nutrition Terminology Reference Manual (eNCPT): Dietetics Language for Nutrition Care. Nutrition Counseling. 2015; Accessed 15 July 2017. Available from: https://ncpt.webauthor.com/pubs/idnt-en/page-059.
4.  Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Table 3 Conclusion Statements, Accuracy of RMR Estimations. 2006; Accessed 8 August 2017; 
Available from: www.andeal.org/topic.cfm?menu=2693&cat=2708.
5.  Spahn, JM, Reeves RS, Keim KS, Laquatra I, Kellogg M, Jortberg, B, Clark NA. State of the evidence regarding behavior change theories and strategies in nutrition counseling to facilitate health and food behavior change. JADA. 2010; 110: 879-891.
6.  Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Energy Expenditure (EE): Appendix (2006) Weight Management Evidence-Based Nutrition Practice Guideline. 2015; Accessed 30 August 2015. Available from: www.andeal.org/topic.cfm?cat=2693.
7.  Dietitians Association of Australia. Best Practice Guidelines for the treatment of overweight and obesity in adults. 2011; Accessed 11 September 2017. Available from: www.daa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/FINAL-DAA-obesity-guidelines-report-25th-January-2011-2.pdf 
8.  Jensen MD, Ryan DH, Apovian CM, et al. 2013 AHA/ACC/TOS guideline for the management of overweight and obesity in adults: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and The Obesity Society. Circulation. 2014; 129: S102-138.    
Updated September 12, 2017
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