Lifestyle Strategies after Intentional Weight Loss: Results from the MAINTAIN-pc Randomized Trial

Abstract

Introduction/PurposeWeight maintenance after intentional weight loss is challenging and often unsuccessful. Physical activity and self-monitoring are strategies associated with successful weight loss maintenance. However, less is known about the type and number of lifestyle strategies used after intentional weight loss. The purpose of this study was to determine the types and amounts of strategies associated with successful long-term weight loss maintenance.MethodsData from the 24-month Maintaining Activity and Nutrition Through Technology-Assisted Innovation in Primary Care (MAINTAIN-pc) trial were analyzed. MAINTAIN-pc recruited adults (n = 194; 53.4 ± 12.2 yr of age; body mass index, 30.4 ± 5.9 kg·m−2; 74% female) with recent intentional weight loss of ≥5%, randomized to tracking tools plus coaching (i.e., coaching group) or tracking tools without coaching (i.e., tracking-only group). At baseline and at 6, 12, and 24 months, participants reported lifestyle strategies used in the past 6 months, including self-monitoring, group support, behavioral skills, and professional support. General linear models evaluated changes in the number of strategies over time between groups and the consistency of strategies used over the 24-month intervention.ResultsAt baseline, 100% used behavioral skills, 73% used group support, 69% used self-monitoring, and 68% used professional support in the past 6 months; at 24 months, these rates were 98%, 60%, 75%, and 61%, respectively. Although the number of participants utilizing individual strategies did not change significantly over time, the overall number of strategies participants reported decreased. More strategies were used at baseline and 6 months compared with 12- and 24-month follow-ups. The coaching group used more strategies at months 6 and 12 than the tracking-only group. Consistent use of professional support strategies over the 24-month study period was associated with less weight regain.ConclusionWeight loss maintenance interventions that incorporate continued follow-up and support from healthcare professionals are likely to prevent weight regain after intentional weight loss.