Adherence
Intensive, long-term behavioral lifestyle interventions can achieve and sustain clinically meaningful weight loss (4-5% reduction) in adults with type 2 diabetes, contrary to the common expectation that most lost weight is regained within 3-5 years.
To maintain significant weight loss long-term, you need more than just a diet plan; you need an intensive, ongoing behavioral program. This includes regular self-monitoring (like weighing yourself), dietary adjustments, physical activity, and problem-solving strategies delivered through consistent support (group or individual). The key is that the intervention must be 'intensive' and 'ongoing' to counteract the natural tendency to regain weight.
The Look AHEAD results demonstrate that weight losses can be achieved and, for the most part, sustained via behavioral management of diet and physical activity... At year 8, the lifestyle program participants sustained on average more than half (55%) of their year 1 weight losses.
Why this rating
Based on the Look AHEAD trial, described as the 'largest and longest randomized controlled trial' with high retention rates.
Source
Effects of behavioral treatment on long‐term weight loss: Lessons learned from the look AHEAD trial
Michael G. Perri · Obesity · 2014
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