Adherence
Young adults (18-35) achieve significant long-term weight loss comparable to older adults by relying on high-intensity physical activity and appearance/social motivations rather than medical triggers or commercial programs.
If you are a young adult trying to lose weight, do not rely on medical scares or rigid commercial programs. Instead, focus on high-intensity exercise (like classes or intense workouts) and leverage social connections (exercising with friends) and appearance goals. These are the primary drivers of success for your age group, allowing you to maintain weight loss comparable to older adults.
YA and OA achieved similar weight losses (P = 0.38)... YA were more likely to use exercise classes and to lose weight on their own, and less likely to use a commercial program (P’s < 0.001). YA reported engaging in more high-intensity PA (P = 0.001).
Why this rating
Large sample size (n=2,964) and rigorous registry data, though self-reported and observational.
Source
Differences in motivations and weight loss behaviors in young adults and older adults in the national weight control registry
Jessica Gokee LaRose et al. · Obesity · 2013
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