A reasonable goal for weight loss in the setting of a medical treatment program is approximately 1-2 lb/wk. However, it is becoming increasingly apparent that the weight-loss goal for each patient must be individualized and cannot be unilaterally based on standard weight-for-height norms.

In addition to the patient’s weight, factors to consider when setting individualized weight loss goals are the weight of other family members, as well as the patient's cultural, ethnic, and racial background.