KEY MODIFIABLE FACTORS IN WEIGHT MAINTENANCE - FAT INTAKE, EXERCISE, AND WEIGHT CYCLING

Objective This 6- to 42-month follow-up study of a 6-month worksite weight control intervention examined predictors of weight maintenance, with a focus on those that could be modified. Subjects Twenty-nine participants, 14 men and 15 women, from a behavior modification program completed follow-up measurements. Main outcome measures Height, weight, waist-to-hip ratio, food and beverage intake from a 3-day food record, weight history, social support and physical activity were the main outcome measures. Results One third of the participants maintained their weight losses within 2 kg at follow-up, although all had higher relative weights at follow-up than immediately after the program. High daily fat consumption (r=.40) and reduced time in physical activity (r=.34) correlated with increased relative weight at follow-up (P<.05). Application Because previous weight cycling was so strongly related to weight loss maintenance (r=.55), potential weight program participants should learn and practice the weight maintenance behaviors of reduced dietary fat and regular exercise, independently of and before weight reduction attempts.