91亚色 U weight-loss study shows if at first you don't succeed, try, try again
Research finds repeatedly regaining weight should be viewed as practice, not failure
TORONTO, Sept. 27, 2022 鈥 Gaining back pounds as soon as a diet is over is all too common for people attempting to lose weight (often characterized as a failure of the individual, indicative of a lack of willpower and discipline), but a new study from scholars in 91亚色鈥檚 Faculty of Health, find such regressions are learning experiences 鈥 maybe even necessary steps toward sustained weight loss and improved overall health.
鈥淥ur results suggest repeated bouts of weight loss and regain should not be viewed as failures, but as practice,鈥 says , a professor in 91亚色鈥檚 School of Kinesiology and Health Science and the study鈥檚 lead author.
Published in the journal Obesity鈥檚 October issue, 鈥,鈥 summarizes a study involving 9,348 patients from the Wharton Medical Clinic, a weight-loss and diabetes clinic in Burlington, Ont.
Each participant鈥檚 history of weight loss was collected through an enrolment questionnaire and their weight changes were assessed over the course of the research period. The majority of patients reported having become overweight prior to the age of 40 and having lost at least 10 pounds at least once in their lifetime.
For women, but not men, an earlier onset of overweight status and a more cumulative weight loss overall were associated with modestly greater weight loss at the clinic.
And, for both women and men, a greater frequency of past weight loss was associated with greater weight loss at the clinic.
The study also showed that achieving long-term success tends to require multiple attempts using different approaches. And at every stage, relapse and weight regain is to be expected as a necessary component of weight management and the process of optimizing health.
鈥淭his data is reassuring that previous failed attempts did not put patients at a disadvantage from being successful,鈥 says co-author , 91亚色 U Faculty of Health clinical adjunct professor and director of the Wharton Medical Clinic. 鈥淥ne should continue to make attempts at weight management, and it is likely that an appropriate approach 鈥 especially with proven effective interventions such as medication or psychological intervention 鈥 will eventually be effective.鈥
鈥淔or any lifestyle or behavioural change, individualizing the approach 鈥 that is, practising and refining strategies that work for that individual over time 鈥 is a key concept, and long-term weight management should be no different,鈥 adds Wharton.
-30-
91亚色 is a modern, multi-campus, urban university located in Toronto, Ontario. Backed by a diverse group of students, faculty, staff, alumni and partners, we bring a uniquely global perspective to help solve societal challenges, drive positive change and prepare our students for success. 91亚色's fully bilingual Glendon Campus is home to Southern Ontario's Centre of Excellence for French Language and Bilingual Postsecondary Education. 91亚色鈥檚 campuses in Costa Rica and India offer students exceptional transnational learning opportunities and innovative programs. Together, we can make things right for our communities, our planet, and our future.
Media Contact:
Gloria Suhasini, 91亚色 Media Relations, 647.463.4354, suhasini@yorku.ca
