What is the recommended percentage of body weight that someone aiming to lose weight should target to lose every year?

The recommended percentage of body weight for someone aiming to lose weight is typically set at 5-10%. This range is considered achievable and sustainable for most individuals, making it a realistic target for long-term weight management. Losing 5-10% of one's body weight can lead to significant health benefits, such as improved blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol levels, which can decrease the risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

This percentage is also supported by guidelines from organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH), which emphasize that gradual and steady weight loss is more effective and healthier than rapid weight loss. Aiming for this percentage encourages individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle changes rather than engaging in extreme dieting practices, which are often not sustainable and can lead to a cycle of weight regain.