Long Term Weight Maintenance
Weight Regain & Weight Loss Maintenance
Clinical trials with long term follow up indicate that most lost weight
is regained within 5 years, which has contributed to the perception that
long term reduction in body weight is difficult, if not impossible, to
achieve. Physicians and patients must recognize and accept that obesity
is a chronic condition that, just as with conditions such as hypertension,
requires lifelong treatment. Limited evidence suggests that continued
professional contact and strategies such as self-help groups can help
to sustain weight loss over time.
Weight Loss Maintenance & National
Weight Control Registry
The United States based National Weight Control Registry studies strategies
used by people who have successfully maintained their weight loss (maintenance
of at least a 30 lb (13.5 kg) intentional weight loss for over a year).
Over 3000 people are registered, with an average reported weight loss
of 30 kg sustained over an average of 5.5 years. Most participants (90%)
report previous unsuccessful attempts at weight loss.
Weight Loss Maintenance & Low Fat
Diet
Common strategies used by the participants to maintain their weight loss
include eating a diet low in fat and high in carbohydrates, frequent self-monitoring,
and regular physical activity. On average, participants report expending
2500-3300 calories a week, which is comparable to about 1 hour of moderate
intensity physical activity a day. This level of energy expenditure is
higher than the amount typically recommended for the general public.
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