Are you planning to join a weight loss programme? Choosing a programme that helps in losing a consistent number of pounds each week is better in the long-term, suggests a study.
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According to study:
- The study’s results showed that those who experienced consistent weight loss in the first six and 12 weeks of the programme.
- In addition,were more likely to have maintained their weight loss at 12 and 24 months.
- Compared with those whose weight fluctuated.
- For example, a person who lost four pounds one week, regained two pounds the next week.
- And lost one pound the following week were less likely to achieve long-term weight loss.
- Than those who consistently lost one pound over the same three-week period.
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According to researchers:
- It seems that developing stable, repeatable behaviours related to food intake.
- And weight loss early on in a weight control programme is really important for maintaining changes over the long term.
- Settle on a weight loss plan that you can maintain week in and week out.
- Even if that means consistently losing three-fourth of a pound each week.
- Interestingly, participants who reported lower preoccupation with food, lower binge eating.
- And lower emotional eating at study baseline experienced greater weight fluctuation and lower total weight loss.
- These findings indicate that it may not be a person’s relationship with food or food-related behaviours.
- In addition,that influence long-term weight loss.
- Rather, it may be down to the consistency of weight loss, the researchers explained.
- For the study the researchers enrolled 183 individuals who were overweight or obese.
- Furthermore,into a year-long weight-loss programme that used meal replacements along with behavioural goals.
- Such as self-monitoring, calorie monitoring and increasing physical activity.