How much weight loss over one week is classified as severe weight loss?

Severe weight loss is classified based on the percentage of body weight lost over a specific time frame, typically a week. The correct choice of 2% reflects a critical threshold for identifying weight loss that could be indicative of health risks, particularly in older adults or those with underlying health issues.

Losing 2% of body weight in one week may signal that a person is experiencing significant physiological changes that could impact their overall health and nutritional status. In gerontology, small percentages can have large implications, as older adults often have lower reserves and can be more susceptible to negative health effects from weight loss.

Higher percentages, such as 5%, 7.5%, or 10%, indicate progressively more severe losses over the same period. A loss of 5% or more typically causes significant concern and may indicate a worrying trend. However, within the context of a week, 2% is a standard cutoff that healthcare professionals might use to flag individuals who need closer monitoring or intervention. Understanding these benchmarks helps in assessing nutritional status and managing care effectively in older populations.