RE: Weight clinic calculation help

Alison Clare Hickman — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 06:09:50 GMT

Hi,

I start with a plan for an overall weight loss % from original bodyweight and then evenly distribute this through a period of time (say Xkg per month over 6-12, sometimes 18 months; this is species dependent and patient dependent). Then as each visit/weigh-in is done I also calculate how much % loss from the last visit has been achieved and compare it to the 'plan'. You get ups and downs as obviously your patient won't lose weight uniformly (lucky if you do!) but it does help you to keep on track. I find it particularly useful for cats when we don't want to lose weight too rapidly and conversely with dogs where we need to lose weight more quickly... It also helps with owner compliance if they see where their pet is on the 'plan' also helps to re-jig the plan if that's what's needed.

I don't always rely just on a weight loss to mark success. Patients that become more active, having lost losing the flab, and who gain muscle through increased exercise the 'kg marker' isn't always an accurate guide for having a good BCS - muscle tone and achieving a great figure are better indicators. I use a tape measure - neck, abdomen, waist at each session and BCS on muscle development as well.

Hope this helps!

Ali h

RE: Weight clinic calculation help

Charlotte Rydz — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 20:03:01 GMT

Hi, I do the following calculation at the start of every weight clinic which works out how many weeks it will take to achieve target weight (average 1% current bw loss per week)

(current weight - target weight) ÷ (current weight x0.01)

Is this any help?