Background
The challenge of weight-loss maintenance is well known, but few studies have followed
successful weight losers over an extended period or evaluated the effect of behavior
change on weight trajectories.
Purpose
To study the weight-loss trajectories of successful weight losers in the National
Weight Control Registry (NWCR) over a 10-year period, and to evaluate the effect of
behavior change on weight-loss trajectories.
Methods
A 10-year observational study of self-reported weight loss and behavior change in
2886 participants (78% female; mean age 48 years) in the NWCR who at entry had lost
at least 30 lbs (13.6 kg) and kept it off for at least one year. Data were collected
in 1993–2010; analysis was conducted in 2012.
Main outcome measures
Weight loss (kilograms; percent weight loss from maximum weight).
Results
Mean weight loss was 31.3 kg (95% CI=30.8, 31.9) at baseline, 23.8 kg (95% CI=23.2,
24.4) at 5 years and 23.1±0.4 kg (95% CI=22.3, 23.9) at 10 years. More than 87% of
participants were estimated to be still maintaining at least a 10% weight loss at
Years 5 and 10. Larger initial weight losses and longer duration of maintenance were
associated with better long-term outcomes. Decreases in leisure-time physical activity,
dietary restraint, and frequency of self-weighing and increases in percentage of energy
intake from fat and disinhibition were associated with greater weight regain.
Conclusions
The majority of weight lost by NWCR members is maintained over 10 years. Long-term
weight-loss maintenance is possible and requires sustained behavior change.
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© 2014 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
