Abstract

Modern behavioral weight loss programs are effective in helping people lose weight, but they continue to be plagued by poor maintenance after the program ends. Current programs attempt to address this "maintenance problem" via education during the program or by extending treatment. Practicing weight maintenance during a weight loss program is another option that could theoretically lead to better long-term weight outcomes. The purpose of this study is to compare the effects of incorporating maintenance practice into the main body of a weight loss program with those of a standard weight loss program format.

Sixty-one overweight adult men and women were recruited for the study. Subjects were randomized into one of two weight loss programs: (1) a standard behavioral weight loss program consisting of 6 consecutive weeks or (2) a similar program with interspersed maintenance practice weeks. Standard group subjects were asked to restrict calories for 6 consecutive weeks during the program. Subjects in the maintenance practice group also were asked to restrict calories for a total of 6 weeks, but practiced weight maintenance during weeks 3, 6, and 8. Both groups were given a follow-up assessment at the end of the 15^th week. At this time, the groups had a comparable number of restriction and maintenance weeks.

Findings revealed that although diet quality and weight loss did not differ between the two groups at the follow-up, weight-related self-efficacy increased in the maintenance practice group but not in the standard group. Consequently, maintenance practice may be a useful component of a weight loss program.