quitting and regaining. I do believe in Gandhi's saying: "Your beliefs become your thoughts, Your thoughts become your words, Your words become your actions, Your actions become your habits, Your habits become your values, Your values become your destiny." I wasn't sure of your thoughts on this but I thought I would mention my feelings on this subject. So your information is a tool I now use to help in maintaince- THANKS! I'm looking forward to hearing from you on prevention strategies. As you say, there are "many complex reasons why people may gain weight in the first place." One of the many reasons why people aren't diligent about weight control is their idea that weight gain is reversible -but by the time people try to lose weight they are already in the hopeless state you describe. Otherwise, what do you suggest - keeping in mind that psychological issues i.e. emotional eating, childhood sexual abuse, etc., etc., etc., is NOT the issue for a lot of people and bariatric surgery most certainly isn't an option for some? ... probably explains why most of my friends and colleagues have regained every ounce... and more ... after large weight losses .... and explains why the post weight loss period needs to be just as comprehensively monitored .... B The news related to obesity is dismal but I think its better to be informed than not. Is there any evidence that very slow or very small amounts of weight loss can avoid triggering