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Your weight change, in perspective

Jillian Foglesong Stabile, MD

Jillian Foglesong Stabile, MD, FAAFP, DABOM

Sipra Medical Reviewer

  • American Board of Family Medicine
  • American Board of Obesity Medicine
  • Wake Forest University School of Medicine

ReviewsPatient-facing health education

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FAAFP, DABOM · Medical reviewer of record · Updated September 14, 2026

A worked example

Arithmetic example: 200 lb followed by 190 lb

Weight loss
5 %
Starting weight
200 lb
Current weight
190 lb

The difference is −10 lb, or a 5% decrease from 200 lb. This is a calculation, not a predicted outcome.

Run your own numbers in the tool above.

The essentials

The math behind the result

(Current − starting) ÷ starting × 100

Subtract the starting measurement from the current one, divide by the starting measurement, then multiply by 100. The starting value is the reference point. Reversing the two inputs changes the calculation, so keep the earlier measurement in the starting field when describing change over time.
What you seeWhat it means
Negative percentageThe current measurement is lower.
Positive percentageThe current measurement is higher.
ZeroThe two measurements match.
The essentials

Keep the comparison consistent

Enter both weights in pounds or both in kilograms. Do not mix units. The starting weight must be greater than zero because the formula divides by it. The tool uses the values you enter before rounding the displayed percentage to two decimal places.
Illustrative exampleCalculation
Starting measurement200 lb
Current measurement190 lb
Change−10 ÷ 200 × 100 = −5%
The example describes a 5% decrease from the starting measurement. If the same two measurements are reversed, the increase is about 5.26% because the denominator is now 190. Both calculations can be correct; they answer different questions. Neither is a forecast.
The essentials

What the percentage leaves out

Put it in context
This percentage does not explain why weight changed or whether a change is appropriate for you. It is not a target or treatment prediction.
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Start here · one question
What's your goal weight?
Choose a goal to discuss with your clinician. You can change it in your intake.
Save the measurement dates alongside the numbers so someone reading the result knows the time period. For a clinical conversation, add any relevant symptoms or medication changes to the symptom and medication discussion log. The percentage alone cannot supply that context.

Frequently asked questions

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Tools

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Sources

  1. Method: signed percentage change equals (current measurement minus starting measurement) divided by the starting measurement, multiplied by 100.
Educational information only. This tool does not diagnose, prescribe or confirm that a medication or product is safe. Medical reviewer of record: Jillian Foglesong Stabile, MD, FAAFP, DABOM. Updated September 14, 2026. Sources checked September 14, 2026.
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and require a patient-specific prescription. Brand names are trademarks of their owners; sipra is not affiliated with them.