Key modifiable factors in weight maintenance: fat intake, exercise, and weight cycling.
OBJECTIVE
This 6- to 42-month follow-up study of a 6-month worksite weight control intervention examined predictors of weight maintenance, with a focus on those that could be modified.


METHODS
Twenty-nine participants, 14 men and 15 women, from a behavior modification program completed follow-up measurements.


METHODS
Height, weight, waist-to-hip ratio, food and beverage intake from a 3-day food record, weight history, social support and physical activity were the main outcome measures.


RESULTS
One third of the participants maintained their weight losses within 2 kg at follow-up, although all had higher relative weights at follow-up than immediately after the program. High daily fat consumption (r = .40) and reduced time in physical activity (r = .34) correlated with increased relative weight at follow-up (P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Because previous weight cycling was so strongly related to weight loss maintenance (r = .55), potential weight program participants should learn and practice the weight maintenance behaviors of reduced dietary fat and regular exercise, independently of and before weight reduction attempts.
Haus
G
G
Michigan State University, East Lansing 48824.
Hoerr
S L
SL
Mavis
B
B
Robison
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D015930:Diet Records; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004435:Eating; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012944:Social Support
D004041:Dietary Fats