Abstract

VIEIRA, Paulo Nuno et al. Successful weight loss maintenance in Portugal and in the USA: comparing results from two National Registries. Rev. Port. Sau. Pub. [online]. 2012, vol.30, n.2, pp.115-124. ISSN 0870-9025.  https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rpsp.2012.10.002.

The aim of this work is to compare participant characteristics and weight loss and weight loss maintenance strategies adopted by an initial cohort of the Portuguese Weight Control Registry (PWCR) with published results from the National Weight Control Registry's (NWCR). Sample includes 198 adults (age: 39.7±11.1 yr; BMI: 26.0±3.9kg/m²), 59% women, who voluntarily registered to the PWCR and completed one initial questionnaire including demographics, methods and strategies used to lose weight and/or to maintain weight, and a laboratory assessment. Individuals meeting inclusion criteria reported a weight loss of 17.4kg, maintained for an average of 29 months. The PWCR sample is younger, heavier, and more gender-balanced than the NWCR sample. Modifying both dietary intake and physical activity (PA) levels was the most common weight loss strategy in Portuguese individuals (82%), while 89% reported it in NWCR. To lose weight, 43% of all PWCR participants started to use stairs, 91% started to eat breakfast every day, 79% chose "better foods", 74% reported "limiting food quantities", and 86% frequently limit fat intake. To keep weight loss, PWCR individuals engaged weekly in 250minutes of moderate and vigorous physical activity and a weekly physical activity energy expenditure of 3422kcal (NWCR: 2621kcal). Other strategies were used: 69% chose "better foods" (NWCR: 92%), 87% frequently limiting fat intake (NWCR: 38%), 63% reported "limiting food quantities" (NWCR: 49%), 98% ate breakfast every day (NWCR: 78%), and 65% weighed themselves at least once a week (NWCR: 75%). Data from the first PWCR cohort show similarities with the larger US sample of successful maintainers but also some differences. This work discusses these differences.

Keywords : Overweight; Obesity; Weight loss; Weight loss maintenance; Long-term; Determinants.

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