Weight Loss Breaks
Prescribed "Breaks" as a Means
to Disrupt Weight Control Efforts
Weight Loss Study - Aim
Research on long-term maintenance of weight loss is hampered by the fact
that relapse typically does not occur until after 6 months. We sought
to determine whether relapses could be induced earlier by intentionally
interrupting the momentum of weight loss during a treatment program and
thus provide a model for weight maintenance research.
Weight Loss Study - Methods
Subjects (N = 142) were recruited at two centers and randomly assigned
to a control group, a long break group (LB), or a short break group (SB).
The control group received a standard behavioral weight loss program with
14 weekly sessions; the LB and SB groups received the same. However, the
LB group took a 6-week break after lesson 7, and the SB group took a 2-week
break after lessons 3, 6, and 9. Participants were instructed to stop
all weight loss efforts during breaks.
Weight Loss Study - Results
Participants seemed to take breaks as prescribed, with interruptions in
self-monitoring, dietary adherence, and self-weighing (but not in exercise).
However, participants quickly resumed these behaviors after the break.
Breaks produced a slowing of weight loss or slight regain, but weight
losses during the breaks were not significantly different from the control
group. Importantly, overall weight losses (0 to 5 months or 0 to 11 months)
did not differ between conditions.
Weight Loss Study - Issues
This study was not successful in developing a method to experimentally
produce weight loss relapses. However, the finding that prescribed breaks
do not have adverse effects may have clinical application.
Source: University of Minnesota. 2003
Weight Loss Methods
The science of weight loss and obesity management is constantly evolving,
along with research into weight loss drugs, supplements and gastric bypass
surgery. At present, however, a balanced diet combined with regular exercise
remains the favored weight management strategy of most weight loss experts. Return to Weight Loss Data
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