Just The Facts on Those Who Achieved Long-Term Weight Loss

Obesity is major health issue worldwide. But some people succeed in transforming to lower body mass. It is estimated that over 1.9 billion adults are overweight, of which 650 million are obese (WHO, 2020). Long-term weight loss is challenging and requires significant lifestyle changes. Among those who've done it, there are some common traits:

1. Increased physical activity: Not a shocker. Increased physical activity is a common trait among individuals who achieve long-term weight loss. A study conducted by Wing and Hill (2001) found that individuals who were successful in achieving and maintaining weight loss engaged in physical activity for an average of 60-90 minutes per day.
2. Diet modification: Also not a shocker. Modifying dietary intake is another common trait among individuals who achieve long-term weight loss. According to the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR), a database of individuals who have lost at least 30 pounds and maintained the loss for at least one year, successful weight losers practice only moderate caloric restriction (Phelan et al., 2005).
3. Social support: Social support from family and friends is also important for long-term weight loss. According to a study conducted by Gorin et al. (2005), individuals who received support from their significant other were more likely to be successful in achieving and maintaining weight loss.
4. Self-monitoring: Self-monitoring, which involves tracking food intake and physical activity, is another common trait among individuals who achieve long-term weight loss. According to a study conducted by Burke et al. (2011), self-monitoring is an important component of successful weight loss and weight loss maintenance.

Long-term weight loss is exceedingly rare and incredibly challenging but entirely achievable. Regular habitual activity around an hour per day is common among those who do achieve it. They have good social support, practice ongoing moderate food reduction. And they monitor the food and activity in order to execute these vital behaviors.

Bibliography:

Burke, L. E., Wang, J., & Sevick, M. A. (2011). Self-monitoring in weight loss: A systematic review of the literature. Journal of the American Dietetic Association, 111(1), 92-102.

Gorin, A. A., Phelan, S., Wing, R. R., & Hill, J. O. (2005). Promoting long-term weight control: Does spouse involvement make a difference?. International Journal of Obesity, 29(3), 305-312.

Phelan, S., Wyatt, H. R., Hill, J. O., & Wing, R. R. (2005). Are the eating and exercise habits of successful weight losers changing?. Obesity Research, 13(4), 710-716.
WHO. (2020). Obesity and overweight. World Health Organization. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/obesity-and-overweight

​Wing, R. R., & Hill, J. O. (2001). Successful weight loss maintenance. Annual Review of Nutrition, 21(1), 323-341.