Final answer:
The NIH suggests that a weight loss of 5-10% from baseline weight offers significant health benefits. Successful weight loss typically involves a combination of dietary changes and increased physical activity. The NWCR data supports that these methods are effective for maintaining weight loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a minimal amount of weight loss that results in improved health benefits is a 5-10% reduction from baseline weight. Behavioral interventions can help individuals achieve and maintain this level of weight loss, which has been associated with numerous health benefits, including lower risk of chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
An analysis of data from the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) supports these findings, indicating that most people who have been successful in maintaining significant weight loss did so through a combination of diet and exercise alterations. It's emphasized that alongside dietary changes, increasing physical activity is crucial for long-term weight management.