Weight Loss Percentage Calculator

Calculate what percentage of your starting weight you've lost, track milestones, and see how far you are from your goal. Used by The Biggest Loser and medical weight loss programs.

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FAQs
What is a good percentage of weight to lose?
Medical weight loss programs often use 5–10% as the first target — even losing 5–10% of starting weight produces significant health benefits: lower blood pressure, improved cholesterol, reduced blood sugar, and decreased joint pain. Studies show that 5% loss reduces type 2 diabetes risk by 58%. Losing more than 1–2 lbs/week is generally considered too fast (loses muscle along with fat). A clinically significant loss is typically defined as ≥5% of initial body weight.
How is weight loss percentage calculated?
Weight loss percentage = ((Starting weight − Current weight) ÷ Starting weight) × 100. Example: Starting at 220 lbs and now at 195 lbs = (220−195)/220 × 100 = 11.4%. This formula was popularized by The Biggest Loser TV show, where it was used to level the playing field between contestants of different starting weights. The same formula is used in medical weight loss clinical trials to report study results.