The National Weight Control Registry
One of the most popular myths about weight loss is that everyone who loses weight will eventually gain it back. The National Weight Control Registry is a research study which has exploded this myth and shown that successful weight loss is indeed possible. Developed by Rena Wing, PhD, at Lifespan, Brown University and the University of Pittsburgh, and James Hill, PhD, at the University of Colorado, the National Weight Control Registry has identified more than 4,000 individuals who have lost significant amounts of weight and kept it off for long periods of time.
Link To The National Weight Control Registry
Study Requirements
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Lost at least 30 pounds and kept it off for at least one year.
Statistics
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Women: 80%, White: 97%
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Average Age: 45 (50% are between 34 to 55)
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Most went from overweight to normal weight. Average: 220 pounds to 154 pounds
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Average weight loss: 60 pounds for more that 5 years
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Over 50% were overweight before age 11. Another 25% before age 18
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Over 70% have at least one overweight parent
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91% have tried to lose weight numerous times before being successful!
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Almost 89% said that they changed both their eating habits and their physical activity
Readiness
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75% reported a triggering event.
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Men more likely to report a medical trigger.
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Women more likely to report an emotional trigger.
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How do they do it?
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Watch what they eat (particularly fat) and keep up a high-level of physical activity.
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Average eating out in fast-food restaurants is less than once per week.
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People report 2,800 calories of physical activity per week (equal to walking 3 - 4 miles/day).
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Averaged about 1,000 calories per week walking, bicycling, aerobics, and other activities.
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As they get more fit they add higher intensity activities.
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75% weigh themselves at least once per week.
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Almost 66% report that maintaining weight is easier, or moderately easier than taking it off. Only 33% view it as hard.
How do they feel?
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95% said that the overall quality of their lives improved.
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92% said that their energy level improved.
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Less than 1% said that their lives were worse.
The Weight-control Information Network
The Weight-control Information Network (WIN) is a national information service of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), National Institutes of Health (NIH). WIN was established in 1994 to provide health professionals and consumers with science-based information on obesity, weight control, and nutrition. WIN has also developed the Sisters Together: Move More, Eat Better Media program that encourages Black women 18 and over to maintain a healthy weight by becoming more physically active and eating healthier foods.
How Can You Contact WIN?
For information and materials, contact WIN at
1 WIN WAY
Bethesda, MD 20892-3665
Phone: (202) 828-1025 or (877)-946-4627
Fax: (202) 828-1028
Email:
win@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet:
http://win.niddk.nih.gov/ Discusses many topics.