Efficacy of Lifestyle Modification for Long‐Term Weight Control
Abstract
A comprehensive program of lifestyle modification induces loss of ∼10% of initial weight in 16 to 26 weeks, as revealed by a review of recent randomized controlled trials, including the Diabetes Prevention Program. Long‐term weight control is facilitated by continued patient‐therapist contact, whether provided in person or by telephone, mail, or e‐mail. High levels of physical activity and the consumption of low‐calorie, portion‐controlled meals, including liquid meal replacements, can also help maintain weight loss. Additional studies are needed of the effects of macronutrient content (e.g., low‐fat vs. low‐carbohydrate diets) on long‐term changes in weight and health. Research also is needed on effective methods of providing comprehensive weight loss control to the millions of Americans who need it.
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Continued contact with the group, therapist or programme leader is a major predictor of success in weight loss, according to prior research.
“In prior research, continued contact with the group, therapist or the programme leader has been shown to be a major predictor of success in weight loss (4,24,25)”
From Weight loss by mobile phone: a 1-year effectiveness study (2009) · cites this paper as [25]
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- Authors
- Wadden, T. A., Butryn, M. L., & Byrne, K. J.
- Affiliations
- University of Pennsylvania (US)
- Drexel University (US)
- Corresponding author
- Wadden, Thomas A.
- Venue
- Obesity Research
- Publisher
- Wiley
- Published
- 2004-12
- Volume
- 12
- Issue
- S12
- Pages
- 151S-62S
- ISSN
- 1071-7323 (ISSN-L)
- 1550-8528
- OpenAlex
- W2071470003
- Cited by
- 511
- References
- 17
- Citations by year
- 2026: 6 · 2025: 10 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 18 · 2022: 10 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 14 · 2018: 27 · 2017: 19 · 2016: 31 · 2015: 38 · 2014: 34 · 2013: 40 · 2012: 35
- FWCI
- 3.13
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Obesity Research (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Funders
- National Institutes of Health (5k24dk065018-10)
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (DK065018)
- Topics
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health › Obesity, Physical Activity, Diet
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Diabetes, Cardiovascular Risks, and Lipoproteins
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Pharmacology › Pharmacology and Obesity Treatment
- Keywords
- lifestyle modification, weight loss maintenance, physical activity, Diabetes Prevention Program, low-fat diet, low-carbohydrate diet
- MeSH terms
- Behavior Therapy, Body Weight, Energy Intake, Diet, Reducing, Dietary Carbohydrates, Food, Formulated, Humans, Life Style, Obesity, Telephone, Time Factors, Weight Gain, Exercise, Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic, Diet, Fat-Restricted, Internet
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