Abstract
BAGKGROUND:
Weight loss maintenance contributing behaviors have not been adequately studied in Mediterranean populations. OBJECTIVE: The MedWeight study created a registry of weight loss maintainers and regainers, to assess and compare their features and lifestyle habits.
METHODS:
Participants had intentionally lost ≥10% of their starting weight; maintainers were keeping the weight off for one year minimum, whereas regainers had regained the loss. Volunteers answered online questionnaires, regarding medical history, body weight, diet and exercise habits, social support, and personality traits. Two telephone 24-h dietary recalls per volunteer are conducted. Questionnaire follow-up will take place one year after study entrance.
RESULTS:
Thus far, 169 maintainers and 57 regainers participated in the study, 43% men. Mean age was 32 years, with regainers being older than maintainers. Maintainers were sustaining a 21% loss, for over four years. Maximum weight and maximum Body Mass Index (BMI) did not differ between groups, but maintainers originally lost more weight than regainers. Maintainers lost weight mainly by themselves, whereas more regainers had consulted with a dietitian.
CONCLUSIONS:
Preliminary data showed no differences between groups in maximum weight and BMI ever reached, but differences were found in weight loss methods employed and initial weight loss achieved.