Research
Adherence
Greater weight loss in the first year (≥5%) is a consistent independent predictor of long-term weight loss maintenance across all intervention groups (metformin, ILS, and placebo).
Focus on getting that first 5% weight loss. It is the single best predictor of whether you will keep it off for years, regardless of whether you use medication, diet, or exercise. Don't get discouraged if you don't lose a huge amount immediately; consistency in that first year matters most.
GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
Independent predictors of LTWL included greater weight loss in the first year in all groups...
Why this rating
Based on a large, long-term RCT with robust statistical modeling (GEE and logistic regression).
Source
Long-Term Weight Loss With Metformin or Lifestyle Intervention in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study
John W. Apolzan et al. · Annals of Internal Medicine · 2019
DOI 10.7326/m18-1605
rct · n=3234Cited 149×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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