Why is it so hard to keep the weight off?

How to keep the weight off

According to research, led by Paul MacLean, PhD, and Rena Wing, PhD, maintaining weight loss over the long term can be a major challenge.

"Despite advancements in our understanding of obesity, weight regain after weight loss remains the most substantial problem in obesity treatment - with both the body and the mind conspiring against individual efforts to maintain weight loss," said Dr. MacLean, co-chair of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) working group who authored the report.

One size does not fit all

When it comes to weight loss, one programme may not suit all.

"There are many differences in individuals ranging from genetic to behavioural that lead some to do well on one approach, whereas others do not. Therefore, what works for a friend or co-worker may be very different from a weight-loss programme that's most effective and sustainable for you over the long term,” explains Dr. MacLean.

A weight loss strategy with real promise

The NIH Working Group have summarised the results from a recent conference. In their commentary, Drs. Bray and Wadden called individualised weight-loss strategies "promising”.

"In all weight loss trials, whether behavioural, dietary, exercise or pharmacological, some individuals lose a great deal of weight, others an average amount and some even gain weight," they say in their response.

"Personalised medicine is not a new idea; it is one that is applied and encouraged across many areas of medicine. Why not apply it to obesity treatment?" said Chris Ochner, PhD, TOS Public Affairs co-chair and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Psychiatry at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. "Weight loss is not a sprint; it's a marathon."

Working group co-chair Dr. Wing also stresses that current treatment approaches to improving maintenance of weight loss often do not adequately counter the many physiological and behavioural changes that occur when a person loses weight.

How to make it work for you

If you’re struggling to lose weight (and keep it off) it’s time to step off the trendy diet treadmill!  

Don’t be too hard on yourself if a diet that worked for a friend doesn't work for you. Instead, consult a dietitian who would be able to devise a personalised weight loss programme to suit your body type, medical history and lifestyle. 

Recommended reading: Mindfulness could help you slim down

1. Prev:4 SIMPLE things that stop you from losing weight & how to CHANGE them now
2. Next:Surprising study: Where fat goes when you lose weight