By Dr. Ted Achacoso
Researchers at The Miriam Hospital at Brown University (Rhode Island, USA) have published one of the first studies of its kind to follow weight loss maintenance for individuals over a 10-year period. The results show that long-term weight loss maintenance is possible if individuals adhere to key health behaviors. J. Graham Thomas and colleagues analyzed data collected on 2,886 men and women, average age 48 years, enrolled in the National Weight Control Registry, who lost at least 30 pounds and had kept if off for at least one year. The participants were then followed for 10 years. Thomas explains that the goal of the study was to determine how well they kept the weight off and to identify predictors of successful weight loss maintenance. The team identified predictors of successful weight loss maintenance to be: regular physical activity, routine self-weighing, consuming a low-fat diet, and avoiding overeating. The study authors submit that: “Long-term weight-loss maintenance is possible and requires sustained behavior change.”
TEDBits (Dr. Ted says): “Simple lifestyle changes have a big impact on health. Each of the four keys sound the same as most other advice found elsewhere — but difficult to implement contemporaneously. Easy does it! Make one minor lifestyle change at a time. Just make sure that you do not overeat on your next meal and you’re on your way to a healthier weight…”
Reference: J. Graham Thomas, Dale S. Bond, Suzanne Phelan, James O. Hill, et al. “Weight-Loss Maintenance for 10 Years in the National Weight Control Registry.” American Journal of Preventive Medicine Vol. 46, Issue 1, Pages 17-23.
