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Lessons from obesity management programmes: greater initial weight loss improves long-term maintenance
Article first published online: 25 DEC 2001
DOI: 10.1046/j.1467-789x.2000.00004.x
© 2000 The International Association for the Study of Obesity. obesity reviews 1, 17–19
1467-789X/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=bc8a59d99ae33403c3948fb08063229c3f6368d6 "Obesity Reviews")
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How to Cite
Astrup, A. and Rössner, S. (2000), Lessons from obesity management programmes: greater initial weight loss improves long-term maintenance. Obesity Reviews, 1: 17–19. doi: 10.1046/j.1467-789x.2000.00004.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 25 DEC 2001
- Article first published online: 25 DEC 2001
- Abstract
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Keywords:
- Obesity;
- pharmacotherapy;
- sibutramine
Summary
It is a common belief that weight loss achieved at a slow rate is better preserved than if the weight is lost more rapidly. However, the literature shows that initial weight loss is positively, not negatively, related to long-term weight maintenance. There is evidence from randomised intervention trials to support that a greater initial weight loss induced without changes in lifestyle e.g. liquid formula diets or anorectic drugs) improves long-term weight maintenance, providing it is followed by a 1–2 years integrated weight maintenance programme consisting of lifestyle interventions involving dietary change, nutritional education, behaviour therapy and increased physical activity. In conclusion, we find evidence to suggest that a greater initial weight loss as the first step of a weight management programme may result in improved sustained weight maintenance.