On average, individuals lose 9 percent of their initial body weight through modest weight-loss programs, while individuals in this study lost 26 percent of initial body weight while on the VLCD program. Although individuals in this study rapidly regained almost 75 percent of their lost weight over three years following the program, this research study showed that their chances of successfully maintaining a loss of 5 percent, or even 10 percent, of their initial body weight were much higher with the VLCD program than with a modest weight-loss program, Anderson said. Weight losses of 5 to 10 percent of initial body weight are accompanied by significant reductions in risks for developing diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension and diabetes. The advantages of losing 5 to 10 percent of initial body weight offset the disadvantages of losing and then gaining weight, Anderson said. Regular physical activity, low-fat intake, and eating five servings of fruits and vegetables are central to successful weight maintenance, Anderson said.
Obesity is a major health problem in the United States and is increasing at epidemic proportions.
It carries with it significantly higher risks for developing diabetes, hypertension and coronary heart disease. More than half of American adults are overweight, and obesity accounts for more than 300,000 premature deaths in the United States each year.