Abstract
BackgroundThis study examined the differences between maintainers and regainers regarding obesity related eating behaviors. A secondary objective was to develop an eating behavior index predicting the likelihood of successful weight loss maintenance.MethodsThe current cross-sectional evaluation conducted in Cyprus was part of the MedWeight (Greek) study. Eligible for participation were Cypriot (maintainers = 145; regainers = 87) adult men and women who reported being at least overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m2) and experienced an intentional weight loss of ≥10% of their maximum lifetime weight, at least 1 year before participation. Among other assessments, weight-related behaviors were evaluated through Weight-Related Behaviors Index (WRBI).ResultsStatistically significant differences between the two groups were observed regarding meals per day (P = 0.008), frequency of eating home cooked meals (P = 0.004) and WRBI total score (P = 0.022). Results from logistic regression models indicated that the odds of maintaining weight loss increase at 30% (Model 1: P < 0.05, Odds ratio 1.306, 1.095–1.556 95% C.I., Model 2: P < 0.05, OR 1.308, 1.097–1.560 95% C.I.) and at 38% after adjusting for physical activity (Model 3: P < 0.05, OR 1.377, 1.114–1.701 95% C.I..) for each point scored in WRBI total score.ConclusionsEating more frequently home cooked meals and less eating away from home meals may be beneficially associated with weight loss maintenance. WRBI seems to be a useful tool when dealing with patients who have previously lost significant weight.
Highlights
This study examined the differences between maintainers and regainers regarding obesity related eating behaviors
Maintainers reported a lower weight and Body Mass Index (BMI), their max weight, max BMI and initial weight loss was higher than regainers (P < 0.05 for all comparisons)
The current study aimed to examine the association between eating behaviors and weight loss maintenance among adults who had previously lost weight and maintained it or regained it
Summary
This study examined the differences between maintainers and regainers regarding obesity related eating behaviors. Some studies proposed a definition of intentional weight loss and Registries of individuals with successful long term weight loss have been developed worldwide to explore factors leading or related to successful maintenance of Koutras et al BMC Public Health (2021) 21:1115 weight loss [6, 10,11,12,13]. Data within these registries include information on socioeconomic background, medical history of individuals as well as data related to individuals’ lifestyle such as sleep, physical activity, and dietary patterns. In relation to the diet, several studies have examined specific nutrients, foods or dietary schemes as potential factors affecting weight loss maintenance; none of these studies has managed to identify a single nutrient, food or even a specific dietary scheme as the most effective [18]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
