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9th International Congress On Obesity - Abstracts and Short Reports

Behavioural correlates of successful weight reduction over 3 y. Results from the Lean Habits Study

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine behavioural characteristics of subjects with successful long-term weight reduction.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study with 3 y follow-up.

SETTING: Multicentre study of participants of a commercial weight-reduction programme (BCM-Programme).

SUBJECTS: Until February 2000, 6857 voluntary study participants were included. Analyses are based on 1247 subjects with complete 3 y data.

INTERVENTIONS: Open-group dietary and behavioural counselling with initial meal substitutions.

RESULTS: Subjects show a number of significant behavioural improvements, for example, choice of low-fat food, flexible control of eating behaviour and coping with stress. Subjects who maintain these changes by the end of the first year have a higher probability of successful weight reduction after 3 y.

CONCLUSIONS: Successful weight maintenance is associated with more pronounced improvements of health behaviours after 1 y. The likelihood of success increases with the number of behavioural patterns which are involved in the process of change.

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References

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Correspondence to J Westenhoefer.

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Westenhoefer, J., von Falck, B., Stellfeldt, A. et al. Behavioural correlates of successful weight reduction over 3 y. Results from the Lean Habits Study. Int J Obes 28, 334–335 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802530

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802530

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