Research

Adherence

Sustained, substantial long-term weight loss maintenance is achieved through continuous self-monitoring (internal and external), sustained intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and structured goal setting, while actively managing enduring intrinsic and extrinsic challenges.

To maintain weight loss long-term, you must adopt a lifestyle of continuous self-monitoring (weighing, tracking food) and clear goal setting. Rely on both internal drive (health, self-image) and external support (groups, healthcare providers). Expect challenges like stress or social events, and have pre-planned strategies for them. Do not rely on short-term fixes; maintenance is an active, ongoing process.

ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
We found that continuous monitoring and goal setting, driven by sustained motivation and encouraging experiences, while resisting ever present challenges and enduring discouraging experience encapsulates the experience of sustained, substantial weight loss.
Marie Spreckley et al. · International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being · 2021

Why this rating

Based on a systematic review of qualitative studies; high relevance but lacks quantitative effect sizes.

Source

Perspectives into the experience of successful, substantial long-term weight-loss maintenance: a systematic review

Marie Spreckley et al. · International Journal of Qualitative Studies on Health and Well-Being · 2021

DOI 10.1080/17482631.2020.1862481

systematic_review · n=294Cited 54×
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DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10

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