Authors
McGuire MT. Wing RR. Klem ML. Lang W. Hill JO.
Institution
Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh Medical School, USA.
zie4@cdc.gov
Title
What predicts weight regain in a group of
successful weight losers?.
Source
Journal of Consulting & Clinical Psychology. 67(2):177-85, 1999 Apr.
Abstract
This study identified predictors of weight gain versus
continued maintenance among individuals already successful at long-term
weight loss. Weight, behavior, and
psychological information was collected on entry into the study and 1 year
later. Thirty-five percent gained weight over the year of
follow-up, and 59% maintained their weight losses. Risk
factors for weight regain included more
recent weight losses (less than 2 years vs. 2 years or
more), larger weight losses (greater than 30% of maximum
weight vs. less than 30%), and higher levels of depression,
dietary disinhibition, and binge eating levels at entry into the registry.
Over the year of follow-up, gainers reported greater decreases in energy
expenditure and greater increases in percentage of calories from fat. Gainers
also reported greater decreases in restraint and increases in hunger, dietary
disinhibition, and binge eating. This study suggests that several years of
successful weight maintenance increase the probability of
future weight maintenance and that weight
regain is due at least in part to failure to maintain
behavior changes.