Weight Watchers - Weight Loss Review
Weight Loss Study Aim
To determine weight loss maintenance among participants in a commercial
weight loss program (Weight Watchers) who had reached their goal weights
1-5 y previously.
Weight Loss Study Method
A national sample (n=1002) was surveyed by phone to obtain demographic
and weight-related information. An over sample (n=258) was recruited and
weighed in person to develop a correction factor for self-reported weights
in the national sample.
Weight Loss Study Results
Based on corrected weights, weight regain from 1 to 5 years following
weight loss ranged between 31.5 and 76.5 percent. At 5 years, 19.4 percent
were within 5 lb of goal weight, 42.6 percent maintained a loss of 5 percent
or more, 18.8 percent maintained a loss of 10 percent or more, and 70.3
percent were below initial weight.
Weight Loss Study Conclusion
These results are not directly comparable to those obtained in clinical
settings because of differences in the populations studied. Nonetheless,
they suggest that the long-term prognosis for weight maintenance among
individuals who reach goal weight in at least one commercial program is
better than that suggested by existing research.
Source: International Journal of Obesity
(2001)
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