Energy balance
Long-term maintenance of significant weight loss requires large, persistent increases in physical activity (PA), whereas changes in energy intake (EI) do not significantly correlate with long-term weight regain.
If you have lost a significant amount of weight, maintaining that loss requires a substantial and sustained increase in daily physical activity, likely exceeding 80 minutes of moderate activity per day. Simply maintaining a reduced calorie intake is insufficient for most people to prevent weight regain; the energy expenditure from activity must be high enough to offset metabolic adaptations.
Weight regain was inversely associated with absolute changes in PA (r = -0.82; P = 0.0003) but not with changes in EI (r = -0.15; P = 0.61)... Consistent with previous reports, large and persistent increases in PA may be required for long-term maintenance of lost weight.
Why this rating
High-quality objective measurement (Doubly Labeled Water) but small sample size (n=14) and single-season reality TV context.
Source
Increased Physical Activity Associated with Less Weight Regain Six Years After “The Biggest Loser” Competition
Jennifer C. Kerns et al. · Obesity · 2017
DOI 10.1002/oby.21986
Related findings · Energy balance
- Achieving a total body weight loss of 10-15% (or >10-15 kg) through Total Diet Replacement (TDR) induces remission of Type 2 Diabetes in individuals with short-duration disease.Strong
- Bariatric surgery is superior to medical management alone for inducing significant long-term weight loss, remission of type 2 diabetes, and reduction in mortality for patients with BMI ≥ 40 or ≥ 35 with comorbidities.Strong
- Achieving type 2 diabetes remission requires significant weight loss (≥15 kg) via major caloric restriction, independent of macronutrient composition.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →