Research
Adherence
Extending the duration of behavioral weight loss treatment increases initial weight loss magnitude but does not significantly improve long-term weight maintenance compared to shorter treatments.
Spending more time in a weight loss program will help you lose more weight initially, but it will not stop you from gaining it back later if you stop attending sessions. To maintain weight loss long-term, you must find a way to manage your energy balance independently of frequent professional supervision, as clinical contact alone does not prevent regain.
GoodQualifiesHIGH confidence
Treating people for a longer period of time was associated with more weight loss. After discontinuation of active treatment, weight regain was observed; the rate of regain was comparable in the short and long treatment conditions.
Why this rating
Based on a specific controlled experiment (Perri et al., 1989) and a review of extended contact studies cited in the text.
Source
Long-term maintenance of weight loss: Current status.
Robert W. Jeffery et al. · Health Psychology · 2000
narrative_reviewCited 1,104×
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