Adherence

A structured commercial weight loss program provides significantly greater weight loss and maintenance compared to self-help methods over a 2-year period.

To lose and maintain weight, you need structure. This study shows that a structured commercial program (like Weight Watchers) leads to significantly more weight loss (approx. 3 kg more) than self-help over two years. The key is consistent attendance at weekly meetings, which provides accountability, social support, and cognitive restructuring. If you try to do it alone, you are likely to regain the weight you lose.