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05:10
Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Similarities and differences between weight loss maintainers and regainers: a qualitative analysis
Naomi R Reyes1, Tracy L Oliver, Alicia A Klotz
1Center for Obesity Research and Education, Temple University, 3223 North Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140, USA.
Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
|June 20, 2012
Summary
Maintaining weight loss is challenging. Successful long-term weight management involves continued strategies, regular self-monitoring, and positive thinking, not just initial diet and exercise behaviors.
Area of Science:
- Obesity research
- Behavioral science
- Qualitative health research
Background:
- Obesity remains a significant public health issue, with limited qualitative research on weight loss maintenance.
- Understanding factors influencing long-term weight management is crucial for effective interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore factors promoting or hindering weight loss maintenance in a diverse urban population.
- To identify differences in strategies and challenges between weight loss regainers and maintainers.
Main Methods:
- Six focus groups were conducted with 29 participants who had lost at least 10% of their body weight.
- Participants were categorized as 'regainers' (regained ≥33%) or 'maintainers' (regained ≤15%).
Main Results:
- Both groups experienced lapses, used clothing fit for feedback, desired more support, and reduced self-monitoring over time.
- Maintainers consistently used weight loss strategies, weighed themselves regularly, and employed positive self-talk and problem-solving.
- Regainers struggled with sustained behaviors, citing decreased accountability and motivation.
Conclusions:
- Weight loss maintenance success is linked to continued behavioral strategies, regular monitoring, and cognitive approaches (problem-solving, self-talk).
- Future interventions should address long-term self-monitoring and problem-solving skills to improve weight management outcomes.
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