Regaining lost weight is a prevalent challenge in the management of obesity. The body seems to have a natural “set point” for its fat mass, and following weight loss, it deploys counter hormones to reinstate the previously higher body weight.
The extended use of anti-obesity medications may mitigate and manage these underlying physiological adjustments.
The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) has followed over 5000 individuals who have successfully lost substantial amounts of weight and maintained it over extended periods. The findings highlight several key strategies employed by these individuals:
Daily Breakfast: 80% of participants made it a habit to consume breakfast daily.
Caloric and Fat Intake Tracking: Participants monitored their energy and fat intake carefully, with diets typically comprising around 25% of energy from fat.
Daily Exercise (1 hour): 90% of participants engaged in exercise, dedicating about 1 hour or more per day to physical activity.
Reduced Sedentary Behavior: 62% of participants spent less than 10 hours per week on activities like watching television.
Regular Weight Monitoring: 75% of participants regularly weighed themselves, doing so at least once a week.
These strategies shed light on the practices that contribute to sustained weight loss.