Physical Activity Patterns Using Accelerometry in the National Weight Control Registry

Abstract

The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) was established in 1993 to examine characteristics of successful weight-loss maintainers. This group consistently self-reports high levels of physical activity. The aims of this study were to obtain objective assessments of physical activity in NWCR subjects and compare this to physical activity in both normal-weight and overweight controls. Individuals from the NWCR (n = 26) were compared to a never-obese normal-weight control group matched to the NWCR group’s current BMI (n = 30), and an overweight control group matched to the NWCR group’s self-reported pre-weight-loss BMI (n = 34). Objective assessment of physical activity was obtained for a 1-week period using a triaxial accelerometer. Bouts of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) ≥10 min in duration, as well as nonbout MVPA (bouts of MVPA 1–9 min in duration) were summed and characterized. NWCR subjects spent significantly (P = 0.004) more time per day in sustained bouts of MVPA than overweight controls (41.5 ± 35.1 min/day vs. 19.2 ± 18.6 min/day) and marginally (P = 0.080) more than normal controls (25.8 ± 23.4). There were no significant differences between the three groups in the amount of nonbout MVPA. These results provide further evidence that physical activity is important for long-term maintenance of weight loss and suggest that sustained volitional activity (i.e., ≥10 min in duration) may play an important role. Interventions targeting increases in structured exercise may be needed to improve long-term weight-loss maintenance.

Physical activity and dietary behaviors of health clinic workers trying to lose weight

“…The NWCR participants who were trying to lose weight spent more time per day in sustained bouts of MVI than overweight and normal weight participants in control groups [30]. Nonetheless, our findings are consistent with other studies in that our participants who were trying to lose weight seem to engage in dietary strategies, instead of increasing PA to aid in weight loss [17][18][19]31].…”

Behavioural factors related with successful weight loss 15 months post-enrolment in a commercial web-based weight-loss programme

“…These include consistent self-monitoring (e.g. of weight, eating habits and/or physical activity) (17)(18)(19)(20) , a physically active lifestyle (18)(19)(20)(21) , healthy eating habits such as consuming less dietary fat and regular breakfast consumption (22) , limiting the number of meals from fast-food restaurants (19) and appropriate levels of dietary restraint and emotional eating (18) . The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) is the primary study to explore behavioural characteristics associated with weight-loss maintenance (23) .…”

Descriptive Study of Educated African American Women Successful at Weight-Loss Maintenance Through Lifestyle Changes

“…However, there were few African American participants in that cohort (N≈74). [10][11][12][13][14][15] Studies that provide new insights into successful weightloss in African Americans are needed. Consequently, the objectives of the present study were 1) to identify a large sample of African American adults who intentionally achieved clinically significant weight loss of 10 %, 2) to understand weight-loss and maintenance in African Americans through a cross-sectional survey and 3) to determine the feasibility of establishing a registry of African American adults successful at weight loss.…”