Maintenance and relapse after weight loss in women: behavioral aspects

Article Abstract:

Many people who lose weight cannot maintain the weight loss. This problem of relapse also plagues substance abusers. However, obese people may suffer health, metabolic, and psychological consequences following relapses. Several types of physiological and psychological processes are needed to maintain a stable weight after weight loss. However, little is known about people who lose weight and then relapse, outside of those in formal medical treatment programs; few studies have followed long-term results. To better determine the factors concerned with long-term weight maintenance and factors associated with relapse, three groups of women were studied. Forty-four obese women experiencing weight relapses, 30 formerly obese women who maintained weight loss, and 34 control women who had always maintained an average weight were evaluated. Up to 90 percent of maintainers and control subjects exercised at least three times a week, whereas only 34 percent of regainers did so. Maintainers used a variety of weight-loss techniques, which they often revised from available methods and information. Most often, maintainers altered lifestyles and food choices but did not completely restrict favorite foods, while relapsers used diet foods or formulas, attended weight-control groups, and tended to feel deprived. Unlike regainers, maintainers continued to be aware of a their food consumption and quickly responded to weight gains with changes in habits. More maintainers and control subjects than regainers confronted problems directly and used available social support. Regainers tended to eat unconsciously in response to emotions rather than confront problems. The study suggests that people who are being treated for weight loss will do better over the long run if a variety of interventions are available. Further, improvements in problem-solving skills and in use of social support may also help people to maintain weight losses. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Reducing diets

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Weight loss on a low-fat diet: consequence of the imprecision of the control of food intake in humans

Article Abstract:

One method of weight reduction involves reducing the total amount of food consumed. However, the weight lost during this type of diet is usually regained. The results of recent studies indicate that reducing the fat content of the foods that are eaten, rather than limiting the amount of food, may be a more beneficial means for achieving long-term weight loss. This article describes the results of an 11-week study designed to determine the effect of a low-fat diet, with no limit on the amount of food consumed, on energy intake and weight loss. The purpose was to determine whether subjects on the low-fat diet would increase the total amount of food eaten to compensate for the lower caloric content of foods allowed (since they were low in fat). Thirteen healthy, nonsmoking females were randomly assigned to either a low-fat diet (20 to 25 percent of calories from fat) or a control (regular) diet for the first 11 weeks of the study, and then the two groups switched diets for the second 11 weeks of the study. The low-fat diet was associated with an increase in total food consumed yielding an increase in energy intake that partially compensated for the reduction in fat intake; 35 percent of the calorie deficit was made up for by eating more food. Those who followed the low-fat diet lost an average of six pounds, while those who followed the control diet lost an average of three pounds during the study period. The results of this study indicate that weight loss can be achieved by reducing the fat content of the foods consumed, without limiting the amount of food consumed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Care and treatment, Methods, Obesity, Low-fat diet, Low fat diet

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