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Maintenance of weight loss: a needs assessment
J D DePue1, M M Clark, L Ruggiero
1Division of Behavioral Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA.
Obesity Research
|May 1, 1995
Summary
Maintaining weight loss after a very-low-calorie diet requires regular exercise and support. Stress and motivation are key obstacles for those regaining weight, highlighting the need for tailored ongoing support.
Area of Science:
- Obesity research
- Behavioral medicine
- Dietary interventions
Background:
- Weight loss maintenance is a significant challenge after intensive dietary programs.
- Understanding factors influencing long-term success is crucial for public health.
- Very-low-calorie diets (VLCDs) followed by behavior modification are common interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify facilitators and obstacles to weight loss maintenance post-VLCD and behavior modification.
- To compare characteristics of weight loss maintainers and regainers.
- To inform the development of effective long-term weight management support strategies.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 178 completers of a VLCD and behavior modification program.
- Response rate was 61%, with a median follow-up of over 2 years.
- Respondents were categorized as maintainers (weight stable within 10 lbs) or regainers (significant weight regain).
Main Results:
- 29% of participants were weight loss maintainers; 71% were regainers.
- Maintainers frequently reported regular aerobic exercise, support groups, and high self-efficacy.
- Regainers more often cited stress and motivation as obstacles; both groups desired low-cost ongoing support.
Conclusions:
- Regular exercise, support groups, and self-efficacy are key to maintaining weight loss.
- Stress and motivation are significant barriers for weight regainers.
- Personalized, low-cost, ongoing support is essential for long-term weight management success.