A study outlined in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition examined the psychosocial consequences of weight reduction, asking the question -- how much weight loss is enough?

The psychosocial effects of weight reduction showed an association with improvements in mood in significantly obese individuals who are treated by diet and lifestyle modification. Exercise is associated with modest but long-term weight losses and with improvements in mood and physical health. The recommendation that overweight Americans lose weight should be prefaced with efforts to promote healthier attitudes toward weight and shape. A 10% reduction in initial weight correlates with improvements in psychosocial functioning. Even patients with just a 5% reduction in body weight report improvements in mood. They feel better as a result of taking charge of their eating and exercise habits and, ultimately, their weight.

As a footnote: please don't read this blog and walk-away thinking the message is lose some weight, Fatty. I'm a self-professed Pork Chop in hot pursuit of a dopamine deluge. I know when I'm surging with happiness, food is the furthest thing from my mind. I'm looking for the map to this euphoric destination. The minute I find it-- you'll have directions, too!