| Abstract: |
This article considers the difficulties of losing weight and keeping it off, and investigates some of the strategies that successful weight loss requires. The author shares some information from the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) which includes people who have lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off for at least one year. Every year, the researchers at the NWCR ask the registrants questions about their weight, eating habits, and physical activity. The people who are most successful in maintaining weight loss have four factors in common: eat a reduced-calorie, low-fat, moderately high-carbohydrate diet, try to eat breakfast every day, check weight regularly, and exercise regularly. The author concludes by encouraging readers to continue with needed efforts to lose weight and to maintain weight loss. Changing eating habits and increasing physical activity can help people lose weight and keep it off. 3 figures. |