Since 1994 the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) has been studying individuals 18 years and older who have successfully maintained a 30-pound weight loss for at least one year.  The average participant in the study has actually lost approximately 60 pounds and maintained the loss for about five years.  Two-thirds of the successful weight losers were overweight as children and 60 percent reported a family history of obesity. About half the participants lost weight on their own without participating in a formal weight management program.

Why are some individuals successful at losing weight and keeping it off?  Here are some key findings from the NWCR ongoing study on successful weight losers:

• They make substantial changes in their eating and physical activity habits to lose and maintain their weight, and they maintain these changes.
• They keep track of their calorie intake.
• They eat healthy low-calorie, low-fat foods that include fruits, vegetables, and other high-fiber foods.
• Eight out of ten eat breakfast every day.
• They engage in 60 to 90 minutes of physical activity daily.  Walking is the most popular activity.

Successful weight losers report a significant improvement in their self-confidence, mood, and physical health.  They find maintaining their weight loss gets easier over time.  They get used to and start to enjoy their new way of eating and getting more physical activity. 

The National Weight Control Registry is a collaborative effort of James Hill, PhD, of the University of Colorado and Rina Wing, PhD, of Brown University and the University of Pittsburgh.

Source: National Weight Control Registry, www.nwcr.ws.