12-week Weight Loss Program Research Articles

Changes in weight control behaviors and hedonic hunger during a 12-week commercial weight loss program

Greater use of key self-regulatory behaviors (e.g., self-monitoring of food intake and weight) is associated with greater weight loss within behavioral weight loss treatments, although this association is less established within widely-available commercial weight loss programs. Further, high hedonic hunger (i.e., susceptibility to environmental food cues) may present a barrier to successful behavior change and weight loss, although this has not yet been examined. Adult men and women (N=111, body mass index M±SD=31.5±2.7kg/m2) were assessed before and after participating in a 12-week commercial weight loss program. From pre- to post-treatment, reported usage of weight control behaviors improved and hedonic hunger decreased, and these changes were inversely associated. A decrease in hedonic hunger was associated with better weight loss. An improvement in reported weight control behaviors (e.g., self-regulatory behaviors) was associated with better weight loss, and this association was even stronger among individuals with high baseline hedonic hunger. Findings highlight the importance of specific self-regulatory behaviors within weight loss treatment, including a commercial weight loss program developed for widespread community implementation. Assessment of weight control behavioral skills usage and hedonic hunger may be useful to further identify mediators of weight loss within commercial weight loss programs. Future interventions might specifically target high hedonic hunger and prospectively examine changes in hedonic hunger during other types of weight loss treatment to inform its potential impact on sustained behavior change and weight control.

Long-Term Persistence of Hormonal Adaptations to Weight Loss

Most obese people can achieve short-term weight loss through dietary restriction, but only a small minority can maintain the reduced weight loss in the long-term. Failure to maintain the initial weight loss may be associated with acute compensatory changes in the circulating levels of several peripheral appetite-regulating hormones that occur as a physiologic response to caloric restriction. It is not known whether these changes are transient or are sustained over time. The present study investigated changes in blood levels of these hormones during 12 months in 50 overweight or obese patients without diabetes who had been on a very low energy diet in a 10-week weight-loss program. At baseline (week 0), week 10, and week 62, circulating levels of hormonal regulators of appetite and subjective ratings of appetite were examined. The hormones investigated included leptin, ghrelin, peptide YY, amylin, cholecystokinin, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide 1, pancreatic polypeptide, and insulin. Weight loss at 10 weeks (mean [± SE], 13.5 ± 0.5 kg) was associated with significant reductions in levels of leptin, peptide YY, cholecystokinin, insulin (P < 0.001 for all), and amylin (P = 0.002) and increased levels of ghrelin (P < 0.001), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (P = 0.004), and pancreatic polypeptide (P = 0.008). A significant increase occurred in subjective measures of appetite, including hunger and the desire to eat (P < 0.001). At 62 weeks, circulating levels of these hormones did not revert to baseline levels recorded before weight loss. Significant differences from baseline persisted in levels of leptin (P < 0.001), peptide YY (P < 0.001), cholecystokinin (P = 0.04), insulin (P = 0.01), ghrelin (P < 0.001), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (P < 0.001), and pancreatic polypeptide (P = 0.002), as well as subjective measures of appetite (P < 0.001). These findings indicate that the high rate of relapse in obese people after initial weight loss through dieting has a strong physiological basis. Successful long-term management of obesity will require the development of treatment strategies to counteract the persisting compensatory changes in circulatory levels of appetite-regulating hormones that encourage weight regain.

Best single-slice measurement site for estimating visceral adipose tissue volume after weight loss in obese, Japanese men

BackgroundAlthough the measurement site at L4–L5 for visceral adipose tissue (VAT) has been commonly accepted, some researchers suggest that additional upper sites (i.e., L1–L2 and L2–L3) are useful for estimating VAT volume. Therefore, determining the optimum measurement site remains challenging and has become important in determining VAT volume. We investigated the influence of a single-slice measurement site on the prediction of VAT volume and changes in VAT volume in obese Japanese men.MethodsTwenty-four men, aged 30–65 years with a mean BMI of 30 kg/m2, were included in a 12-week weight loss program. We obtained continuous T1-weighted abdominal magnetic resonance images from T9 to S1 with a 1.5-T system to measure the VAT area. These VAT areas were then summed to determine VAT volume before and after the program.ResultsSingle-slice images at 3–11 cm above L4–L5 had significant and high correlations with VAT volume at baseline (r = 0.94–0.97). The single-slice image with the highest correlation coefficient with respect to VAT volume was located at 5 cm above L4–L5 (r = 0.97). The highest correlation coefficient between the individual changes in VAT area and changes in VAT volume was located at 6 cm above L4–L5 (r = 0.90).ConclusionsIndividual measurement sites have different abilities to estimate VAT volume and changes in VAT volume in obese Japanese men. Best zone located at 5–6 cm above L4–L5 may be a better predictor of VAT volume than the L4–L5 image in terms of both baseline and changes with weight loss.

Weight Maintenance Through Behaviour Modification: With a Cooking Course or Neurolinguistic Programming

We compared the effect on weight regain of behaviour modification consisting of either a gourmet cooking course or neurolinguistic programming (NLP) therapy. Fifty-six overweight and obese subjects participated. The first step was a 12-week weight loss program. Participants achieving at least 8% weight loss were randomized to five months of either NLP therapy or a course in gourmet cooking. Follow-up occurred after two and three years. Forty-nine participants lost at least 8% of their initial body weight and were randomized to the next step. The NLP group lost an additional 1.8 kg and the cooking group lost 0.2 kg during the five months of weight maintenance (NS). The dropout rate in the cooking group was 4%, compared with 26% in the NLP group (p=0.04). There was no difference in weight maintenance after two and three years of follow-up. In conclusion, weight loss in overweight and obese participants was maintained equally efficiently with a healthy cooking course or NLP therapy, but the dropout rate was lower during the active cooking treatment.

Long-Term Persistence of Hormonal Adaptations to Weight Loss

After weight loss, changes in the circulating levels of several peripheral hormones involved in the homeostatic regulation of body weight occur. Whether these changes are transient or persist over time may be important for an understanding of the reasons behind the high rate of weight regain after diet-induced weight loss. We enrolled 50 overweight or obese patients without diabetes in a 10-week weight-loss program for which a very-low-energy diet was prescribed. At baseline (before weight loss), at 10 weeks (after program completion), and at 62 weeks, we examined circulating levels of leptin, ghrelin, peptide YY, gastric inhibitory polypeptide, glucagon-like peptide 1, amylin, pancreatic polypeptide, cholecystokinin, and insulin and subjective ratings of appetite. Weight loss (mean [±SE], 13.5±0.5 kg) led to significant reductions in levels of leptin, peptide YY, cholecystokinin, insulin (P<0.001 for all comparisons), and amylin (P=0.002) and to increases in levels of ghrelin (P<0.001), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (P=0.004), and pancreatic polypeptide (P=0.008). There was also a significant increase in subjective appetite (P<0.001). One year after the initial weight loss, there were still significant differences from baseline in the mean levels of leptin (P<0.001), peptide YY (P<0.001), cholecystokinin (P=0.04), insulin (P=0.01), ghrelin (P<0.001), gastric inhibitory polypeptide (P<0.001), and pancreatic polypeptide (P=0.002), as well as hunger (P<0.001). One year after initial weight reduction, levels of the circulating mediators of appetite that encourage weight regain after diet-induced weight loss do not revert to the levels recorded before weight loss. Long-term strategies to counteract this change may be needed to prevent obesity relapse. (Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and others; ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00870259.).

Changes in dietary intake after 12-week commercial web-based weight loss program

Changes in dietary intake after 12-week commercial web-based weight loss program

A 12-week, randomised, controlled trial to examine the acceptability of the Korean diet and its effectiveness on weight and metabolic parameters in an Australian overweight and obese population

South Korea has a significantly lower prevalence of overweight and obesity compared to Western countries. This may be due to differences between the traditional Korean diet (KD) and western diet (WD). Our study investigated whether a Western population would accept a KD, compared to a WD, in a weight loss oriented lifestyle program. 70 overweight or obese participants were randomised to a 12-week weight loss program. All participants followed a standardised lifestyle intervention incorporating diet, exercise and behavioural modification techniques. KD participants were provided with a traditional Korean lunch and dinner (Monday to Saturday). WD participants were provided with a weekly grocery food voucher. Weight and metabolic parameters were measured. 60 participants completed the study (KD = 25; WD = 35). No significant difference was found for percentage weight loss (KD: -5.8 ± 4.7%; WD: -5.7 ± 4.1%; p = 0.93). On the 10-item Food Acceptability Questionnaire, there was a decline in acceptance for the KD group over the 12-week intervention. When incorporated into a lifestyle intervention a traditional KD resulted in similar weight loss to a WD, despite a significantly higher energy intake. Food acceptability scores significantly favoured the WD for some of the measures at week 12, and the most common staple Korean foods were reported highest amongst the food returns, suggesting that the KD was not as well accepted and less enjoyable on a range of measures. More variability in the menu and flexibility in portion sizes of the KD may improve its acceptance and could further optimise its weight loss potential for Westerners.

High trait self-control predicts positive health behaviors and success in weight loss

Surprisingly few studies have explored the intuitive connection between self-control and weight loss. We tracked participants' diet, exercise and weight loss during a 12-week weight loss program. Participants higher in self-control weighed less and reported exercising more than their lower self-control counterparts at baseline. Independent of baseline differences, individuals high in dispositional self-control ate fewer calories overall and fewer calories from fat, burned marginally more calories through exercise, and lost more weight during the program than did those lower in self-control. These data suggest that trait self-control is, indeed, an important predictor of health behaviors.

Eyes on the prize: The longitudinal benefits of goal focus on progress toward a weight loss goal

Past research suggests that focusing on what has not yet been accomplished (goal focus) signals a lack of progress towards one's high commitment goals and inspires greater motivation than does focusing on what has already been accomplished (accomplishment focus). The present investigation extends this research to a longitudinal, important domain by exploring the consequences of focusing on one's goals versus accomplishments when pursuing a weight loss goal. Participants were tracked over the course of a 12-week weight loss program that utilized weekly group discussions and a companion website to direct participants' focus toward their end weight loss goal or toward what they had already achieved. Goal-focused participants reported higher levels of commitment to their goal and, ultimately, lost more weight than did accomplishment-focused and no focus control participants. Accomplishment-focused participants did not differ from controls on any measure.

Directive and Nondirective E-Coach Support for Weight Loss in Overweight Adults

Although e-coach support increases the effectiveness of Internet weight loss interventions, no studies have assessed influence of type of e-coach support. The effects of nondirective (collaborative, flexible) and directive (prescriptive, protocol driven) e-coach support on weight loss, dietary behavior, physical activity, and engagement were assessed in a 12-week weight loss e-coaching program. Overweight adults (N = 104) were randomly assigned to nondirective, directive, or minimal support. All received weekly lessons and feedback graphs via e-mail. Participants in the nondirective and directive support conditions received individualized nondirective or directive weight loss support. For females, weight loss (η(2) = 0.10) and changes in waist circumference (η(2) = 0.07) were greater in the directive than in the nondirective and minimal support conditions. Differences in type of e-coach support are salient to participants. Directive support is beneficial to females in a 12-week e-coach weight loss program.

Pistachio Nuts Reduce Triglycerides and Body Weight by Comparison to Refined Carbohydrate Snack in Obese Subjects on a 12-Week Weight Loss Program

Objective: There is a widely held view that, due to high fat content, snacking on nuts will lead to weight gain, ultimately causing unhealthy changes in lipid profiles. This study is designed to study the effects of pistachio snack consumption on body weight and lipid levels in obese participants under real-world conditions.Methods: Participants were randomly assigned to consume 1 of 2 isocaloric weight reduction diets for 12 weeks, with each providing 500 cal per day less than resting metabolic rate. Each diet included an afternoon snack of either 53 g (240 cal) of salted pistachios (n = 31) or 56 g of salted pretzels (220 cal; n = 28).Results: Both groups lost weight during the 12-week study (time trend, p < 0.001), but there were significant differences in the changes in body mass index between the pretzel and pistachio groups (pistachio, 30.1 ± 0.4 to 28.8 ± 0.4 vs. pretzel, 30.9 ± 0.4 to 30.3 ± 0.5). At 6 and 12 weeks, triglycerides were significantly lower in the pistachio group compared with the pretzel group (88.04 ± 9.80 mg/dL vs. 144.56 ± 18.86 mg/dL, p = 0.01 at 6 weeks and 88.10 ± 6.78 mg/dL vs. 132.15 ± 16.76 mg/dL, p = 0.02 at 12 weeks), and there was a time trend difference between the 2 groups over the 12 weeks (p < 0.01). There were no significant differences in total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, insulin, or glucose between the 2 groups.Conclusion: Pistachios can be consumed as a portion-controlled snack for individuals restricting calories to lose weight without concern that pistachios will cause weight gain. By comparison to refined carbohydrate snacks such as pretzels, pistachios may have beneficial effects on triglycerides as well.

Changes in Health-Related Quality of Life among African-Americans in a lifestyle weight loss program

Changes in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) were assessed in clinically obese, African-American adults after completion of a weight loss program that resulted in modest average weight loss. Data were analyzed for 87 men and women who provided weight measurements after an initial 10-week weight loss program (Phase 1) and a subsequent clinical trial to evaluate three weight maintenance approaches (Phase 2) over an additional 8 to 18 months. HRQoL was assessed using the Short Form SF-36 questionnaire. Intra-person changes in HRQoL were assessed and analyzed for associations with weight change within each phase. Non-parametric bivariable analyses and multivariable linear regression were used in statistical analyses. Changes in HRQoL were modest; clinically significant intra-subject improvements in SF-36 domains of general health and vitality and in the mental component summary score were observed after Phase 1 but were attenuated during Phase 2. Improvements in vitality were significantly associated with greater weight loss in Phase 1, but no HRQoL change scores during Phase 2 were associated with weight change. Short-term improvements in general health and vitality were observed. The vitality domain of the SF-36 appeared to be the domain of HRQoL most responsive to modest weight change.

Expression of Genes Involved in Lipid Metabolism in Men with Impaired Glucose Tolerance: Impact of Insulin Stimulation and Weight Loss

Background:The impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) state is characterized by insulin resistance. Disturbances in fatty acid (FA) metabolism may underlie this reduced insulin sensitivity. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the prediabetic state is accompanied by changes in the expression of genes involved in FA handling during fasting and in insulin-mediated conditions and to study the impact of weight loss. Methods:Seven IGT men and 5 men with normal glucose tolerance (NGT), comparable in terms of age and BMI, participated in the study. The 5 IGT men followed a 12-week weight loss program. Muscle biopsies were taken and the expression of 6 genes was investigated. Results:Subjects had a reduction of 15.5 ± 4.3 kg in body weight. Baseline gene expression was not different between NGT and IGT men. After a hyperinsulinemic clamp, there was an overall upregulation of PGC1α, SREBP-1c, SREBP-2, and ACC-2. The upregulation of SREBP-2 was more pronounced in IGT men (p = 0.049). Weight loss significantly increased insulin sensitivity by 71%, which was not reflected in altered gene expression profiles. Conclusions:SREBP-2 shows altered insulin responsiveness in IGT men compared with NGT men, while there were no differences in basal gene expression.

The Improvement of Sweet Taste Sensitivity with Decrease in Serum Leptin Levels During Weight Loss in Obese Females

Leptin may influence sweet taste sensitivity. However, there are no reports on an association between the sweet taste threshold and serum leptin levels during weight loss in humans. We investigated the changes in the sweet taste threshold and the serum leptin levels during a weight-loss program, in connection with a leptin receptor polymorphism (Lys109Arg) that may be related to insulin and glucose metabolism. The study included 20 obese, but otherwise healthy, females (mean age: 55 +/- 7 years, body mass index: 26.1 +/- 1.7 kg/m(2)). Participants completed a 12-week weight-loss program based on energy restriction through diet and exercise, which aimed at achieving their optimal weight. The sweet taste threshold was determined according to the whole-mouth gustatory method. Genetic analyses were performed using the allele-specific DNA assay. Serum leptin levels were decreased from 9.2 +/- 4.5 to 7.9 +/- 4.9 ng/ml (p = 0.014) after body weight loss. The sweet taste threshold also decreased significantly from 0.59 +/- 0.42 to 0.22 +/- 0.20% in a solution of sucrose (p = 0.004). In contrast, there were no differences in changes of the threshold between participants with and without the Lys109 allele. A multiple regression analysis revealed that the changes in serum leptin levels were significantly correlated with those in the sweet taste threshold, independent of the initial threshold levels and the Lys109 allele. In conclusion, the serum leptin levels are decreased significantly during a weight-loss program in obese females, which may be associated with the decrease in the sweet taste threshold.

Omega-3 oil intake during weight loss in obese women results in remodelling of plasma triglyceride and fatty acids.

Previous studies have shown that a combination of weight loss and fish oil supplementation reduce cardiovascular disease and diabetes risks by increasing adiponectin and reducing triacylglyceride concentrations, while weight loss alone significantly improves insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation. Here, a metabolomic approach, using a combination of 1H-Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy, and gas and liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, was employed to elucidate the metabolic changes in blood plasma following weight loss and fish oil supplementation. The intervention study was conducted over 24 weeks, with 93 female subjects randomised to one of three groups. Two groups followed a 12-week weight loss program, followed by a 12-week weight maintenance period and were randomised to fish or placebo oil capsules; a control group did not follow the weight loss program and were given placebo oil capsules. Lipid profiles changed dramatically upon fish oil intake and subtly across the two weight loss groups. While the fish oil supplementation increased the proportion of various phospholipid species, previously reported reductions in total triacylglycerides (TAGs) upon fish oil intake were shown to be driven by a reduction in a specific subset of the measured TAGs. This remodelling of triglycerides may represent further beneficial effects of fish oil supplementation.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11306-009-0161-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Longitudinal Analysis of Leptin Variation during Weight Regain after Weight Loss in Obese Children

Objective: This study assessed if lower than predicted serum leptin concentrations seen during weight loss persisted during weight regain, with possible implications for weight control. Methods: 115 children were investigated during a 12-week weight loss program. 90 children completed the program, and 68 children entered a follow-up program spanning 28 months. Measurements were performed at baseline and day 82 as well as at months 10, 16, and 28. Height, weight, body composition, Tanner stages, testicular size, and serum concentrations of leptin, and insulin were measured at all time points. Results: Children with the greatest increases in BMI standard deviation score (SDS) exhibited the largest leptin increments. The disproportionate reduction of leptin seen during weight loss recovered after weight loss. Leptin increases mirrored increases in BMI SDS during weight regain, and the leptin-BMI SDS relationship seen during follow-up resembled the baseline leptin-BMI SDS relationship. Conclusion: Proportional increases of leptin and BMI SDS during weight regain suggests an intact leptin response during re-accumulation of fat. Following the pronounced reduction of leptin during weight loss, leptin levels were restored during weight regain to an extent where leptin levels were comparable with those at baseline, which is indicative of an inefficient lipostatic control exerted by leptin during weight regain.

20-HETE and F 2-isoprostanes in the metabolic syndrome: the effect of weight reduction

20-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) is a cytochrome P450 metabolite of arachidonic acid that regulates vascular function and sodium homeostasis. Studies showing an association between 20-HETE excretion, raised BMI, and oxidative stress suggest that 20-HETE may be important in the development of cardiovascular disease in the metabolic syndrome (MetS). We investigated whether 20-HETE and F 2-isoprostanes (markers of oxidative stress) were altered in the MetS before and after weight reduction. A case-controlled comparison of 30 participants with the MetS and matched controls showed that plasma and urinary 20-HETE and F 2-isoprostanes were significantly elevated in the MetS group. There was a significant gender × group interaction such that women with the MetS had higher urinary 20-HETE and F 2-isoprostanes compared to controls ( p < 0.0001). In a randomized controlled trial, 42 participants with the MetS were assigned to 16 weeks of weight maintenance or a 12-week weight-loss program followed by 4 weeks weight stabilization. Relative to the weight-maintenance group, a 4-kg loss in weight resulted in a 2-mm Hg fall in blood pressure (BP) but did not alter urinary or plasma 20-HETE or F 2-isoprostanes. 20-HETE and oxidative stress may be important mediators of cardiovascular disease risk in the MetS. Although a 4% reduction in body weight reduced BP, there were no changes in plasma or urinary 20-HETE or F 2-isoprostanes.

Effect of Weight Loss on Proinflammatory State of Mononuclear Cells in Obese Women

In order to investigate whether weight loss can lead to improvement of the mononuclear cell (MNC) proinflammatory state, 21 nondiabetic obese women with mean age 34+/-2 years (mean+/-s.e.m.) and BMI 32.5+/-1.2 kg/m2 were enrolled in a 12-week caloric restriction and light exercise-based weight loss program. Ten lean women served as controls. Reverse transcription-PCR of proinflammatory cytokines and adipocytokines as well as homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were determined before and after weight reduction. Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) binding to DNA and inhibitors of NF-kappaB (IkappaB-alpha and IkappaB-beta) obtained from peripheral MNCs were measured. Overall, subjects lost a mean of 4.0+/-0.4 kg (5.0+/-0.3% of their initial body weight) (P<0.01). In addition to significant reductions in BMI, fasting glucose and insulin concentrations, mean serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), migration inhibitor factor (MIF), leptin and visfatin levels decreased by 49.0, 66.6, 17.2, and 50.2%, respectively (all P<0.05), while adiponectin concentrations rose by 33.9% (P<0.05). The DNA binding of the transcriptionally active NF-kappaB from (p65/p50) decreased by 38.1% (P<0.05). Elevated levels of mRNA of NF-kappaB related proinflammatory genes, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 (IL-6), MIF, and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), decreased significantly after weight loss. Although mRNA expression of Rel-A, p105, IkappaB-alpha, IkappaB-beta decreased significantly, their protein levels did not change after weight loss. As a group, NF-kappaB binding activity correlated with HOMA-IR (r=0.332, P=0.049) and marginally with values of BMI (r=0.308, P=0.059). In conclusion, weight loss by 5% of initial weight in nondiabetic obese women led to significant improvement in activated intranuclear NF-kappaB binding as well as several transcriptions of proinflammatory genes regulated by NF-kappaB.

Maintenance of resting energy expenditure after weight loss in premenopausal women: potential benefits of a high-protein, reduced-calorie diet

The number of contemporary diet plans promoting high protein intakes for weight management has increased dramatically. Complementing this dietary approach with increased physical activity has proven to be beneficial. Recent studies have suggested that protein intakes in excess of the current Recommended Dietary Allowance (0.8 g/kg) may be of metabolic benefit during weight loss. This investigation assessed changes in resting energy expenditure and substrate oxidation in overweight and obese premenopausal women in response to a weight loss intervention that combined a high-protein, reduced-calorie diet with increased physical activity. Thirty-nine overweight and obese premenopausal women (age, 30.9 ± 1.5 years; body mass index, 30.2 ± 0.5 kg/m 2) participated in a 10-week weight loss program in which they ate a reduced-calorie diet for which protein provided 30% of total energy and approximated 1.4 g/kg. Subjects incrementally increased physical activity (ie, steps walking) throughout the diet intervention period. Resting energy expenditure, substrate oxidation, and body composition were assessed before (PRE) and after (POST) the 10-week weight loss program. Subjects experienced a 5% decrease in body weight, with significant decreases in both fat mass (PRE, 35.5 ± 1.2 kg; POST, 32.4 ± 1.1 kg; P < .0001) and fat-free mass (PRE, 44.6 ± 0.7 kg; POST, 43.6 ± 0.7 kg; P < .0001). Changes in body weight or body composition did not alter resting energy expenditure. Protein oxidation increased (PRE, 18% ± 1%; POST, 20% ± 1%; P < .05) and fat oxidation decreased (PRE, 37% ± 3%; POST, 30% ± 3%; P < .05) after the 10-week intervention. These findings illustrate that a weight loss intervention combining consumption of a high-protein, reduced-calorie diet with increased physical activity promotes weight loss without negatively impacting resting energy expenditure in this population of women.

Weight loss maintenance in women 3 years after following a 12-week structured weight loss program

Structured weight loss programs such as those using meal replacements are associated with both short-term and long-term weight loss, but the effectiveness of structured weight loss programs using whole foods has not been established. The primary aim of the present study was to retrospectively establish self-reported weight status in women, 3 years after participation in a 12-week food based structured weight loss program monitored by dietitians. The secondary aim was to determine which factors were associated with successful weight loss maintenance. Eighty-five of the 100 participants who completed the 12-week program participated in an 18-question telephone interview which included self-reported weight. Weight loss from baseline was 3.8 (S.D. 5.5) kg (4.4 (S.D. 6.1) %) (P < 0.001). Overall, 61% of participants weighed less than at baseline, 13% had gained weight, and the remaining 26% had maintained their baseline weight. From baseline, 37 (44%) participants had a clinically important weight loss of ≥ 5%, and were, on average, 9.8 (S.D. 4.2) % lighter (P < 0.001). The remaining 48 (56%) participants (weight loss < 5%) were not significantly different to their weight at baseline (P = 0.77). We conclude that a food based structured weight loss program monitored by dietitians, as defined by this intervention, was associated with long-term weight loss maintenance.: