Weight loss maintenance in women 3 years after following a 12-week structured weight loss program

SummaryStructured weight loss programs such as those using meal replacements are associated with both short-term and long-term weight loss, but the effectiveness of structured weight loss programs using whole foods has not been established. The primary aim of the present study was to retrospectively establish self-reported weight status in women, 3 years after participation in a 12-week food based structured weight loss program monitored by dietitians. The secondary aim was to determine which factors were associated with successful weight loss maintenance. Eighty-five of the 100 participants who completed the 12-week program participated in an 18-question telephone interview which included self-reported weight. Weight loss from baseline was 3.8 (S.D. 5.5) kg (4.4 (S.D. 6.1) %) (P < 0.001). Overall, 61% of participants weighed less than at baseline, 13% had gained weight, and the remaining 26% had maintained their baseline weight. From baseline, 37 (44%) participants had a clinically important weight loss of ≥ 5%, and were, on average, 9.8 (S.D. 4.2) % lighter (P < 0.001). The remaining 48 (56%) participants (weight loss < 5%) were not significantly different to their weight at baseline (P = 0.77). We conclude that a food based structured weight loss program monitored by dietitians, as defined by this intervention, was associated with long-term weight loss maintenance.