Once I Lose Weight, Will I Gain It All Back Again?
Herein lies the key to a successful Weight Management Program. If you have lost weight and regained it , you know that it is easier to take the weight off than to keep it off. Unfortunately, the vast majority (80%) of weight loss patients regain all or most of their weight if they do not follow a maintenance program for at least one year. Research shows that patients who participate in a formal maintenance program for at least six months are more likely to maintain their weight loss than those who “go it alone.” These same researchers found that longer contact with a weight loss support program further improves success.
During the maintenance phase, Dr. Bonilla emphasizes the importance of portion control, proper food choices, exercise and follow-up visits which keep the patient accountable and committed to a healthy lifestyle. The length of the maintenance phase is usually determined by the severity of the obesity. Six months is usually the minimum maintenance time recommended. One year is the norm. A lifetime program is recommended for the morbidly obese.