Are You a Successful Loser?

If you’ve lost at least 30 pounds and maintained that loss for at least one year, you can participate in a research study that is investigating the characteristics of individuals who have succeeded at long-term weight loss.  The National Weight Control Registry was started in 1994  and more than 5000 individuals have enrolled, making it the largest study of its kind.  Participation requires filling out periodic questionnaires and annual surveys.

Interestingly, more than 80% of the registrants are women with an average age is 45.  Registry members have lost an average of 66 pounds and kept it off for 5.5 years. Duration of successful weight loss has ranged from 1 year to 66 years! According to the registry data, here’s how they did it:

• 45 %  lost the weight on their own, while the other 55%  had help from some type of program.
• Nearly all of the registry participants (98%) report that they modified their food intake in some way to lose weight.
• And, nearly all (94%) increased their physical activity, with the most frequently reported form of activity being walking.
• Most of the registrants continue to maintain a low calorie, low fat diet and doing high levels of activity (90% exercise, on average, about 1 hour per day)

Even if you don’t qualify, you’ll be inspired by the weight loss success stories that are posted on the NWCR website.

If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight, what’s been your secret to success?