A group of researchers have been monitoring the long-term success of people who have lost weight. The article has been published in the April 2012 edition of the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The abridged version is here.
The study explores ways in which a six focus groups of urbanites who had lost more than 10% of their body weight in the previous 2 years and had either maintained or regained the lost weight.
Both regainers and maintainers had experienced lapses, used clothing fit as a guideline to their weight, felt the need for greater support during maintenance, and had self-monitored their food intake less.
The difference between those who managed to keep the weight off though was that they still used the same strategies they had used during their initial weight loss period, weighed themselves regularly (more than once daily is excessive), used productive problem-solving skills and positive self-talk.
Those who regained the weight claimed they struggled with continuing the food and exercises behaviours on their own, a lack of motivation and a decreased sense of accountability.
The conclusion of the study was that weight loss is as much about how people think as what they do.
We all know that regular exercise is good for us, but it's not always that easy. Joining a club or having friends that can motivate you (or spending less time with those who lead unhealthy lifestyles) can help. Learning better techniques to overcome the 'down' days and having regular exercise sessions with a health professional all help. If you have chosen to live with a healthy body weight and a healthy life try to maintain it as best you can.
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