Final answer:
A healthy and attainable weight-loss goal is losing ½ to 1 pound per week by adopting a sustainable balance of proper nutrition and exercise. Research such as that from the National Weight Control Registry supports this approach for long-term weight management.
Step-by-step explanation:
A healthy and attainable weight-loss goal is losing ½ to 1 pound per week. This recommended pace of weight loss supports long-term success and the maintenance of a healthier weight. It aligns with guidance from health organizations which suggest that slow and steady weight loss leads to more permanent changes. Most scientific studies indicate that successful weight loss involves both a change in diet and increased physical activity.
The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) has researched individuals who maintained significant weight loss over time. Findings show that 98% of these participants altered their food intake, while 94% increased their physical activity. Despite various methods used by individuals to lose weight, a common theme among successful weight loss stories includes consistent adherence to a low-calorie, low-fat diet and engaging in substantial physical activity.
A key point to understand is that weight management depends on a balance between calories consumed and calories expended. To lose one pound, a deficit of approximately 3,500 calories is needed. Healthy weight loss isn't about restrictive diets but rather about finding a sustainable balance that includes proper nutrition and exercise.