What percentage of weight loss in six months is considered severe?

A weight loss of greater than 10% over a six-month period is considered severe because it indicates a significant and potentially concerning change in an individual's body weight. This level of weight loss can be associated with various health problems, such as malnutrition, medical conditions, or psychological issues. It may also suggest that the individual is not maintaining adequate caloric intake or experiencing excessive energy expenditure. Monitoring weight loss is crucial in both clinical and personal health contexts, and a loss greater than 10% often necessitates further evaluation and intervention by healthcare professionals to ensure that there are no underlying health concerns contributing to this significant change.

In contrast, weight loss percentages below this threshold, such as 5% or 7.5%, might still be notable but are generally seen as less alarming and may not require the same level of intervention or concern. Weight loss between 5% to 10% falls into a gray area where it can be significant but not necessarily indicative of severe health risks.