18 Mar Successful Long Term Weight Loss May Hinge On Increasing Exercise, Decreasing Alcohol
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Sirpa Soini, MHC, researcher
Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care
University of Helsinki
Medical Research: What is the background for this study?
Response: Short-term weight loss is often successful, but he obtained results
are difficult to maintain. Therefore, a study focusing on obese people who successfully lost weight, with special emphasis upon methods applied and background factors,
is of major importance. Many people are successful in losing weight by
themselves without taking part in any organized group activity. The
knowledge about their success and the methods applied does not usually
reach the health care personnel and is one reason why it is difficult
to get reliable information about those who are successful in losing
weight.
Medical Research: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?
Response: People who were successful in long-term weight loss have a much
healthier lifestyle than the general Finnish population. successful
weight loss is possible in all socio-economic groups. We observed that
long-term results can be achieved despite several previous attempts,
and the majority (68.7%) had previous weight loss attempts in their
history. Compared with the general Finnish population the participants
smoked less (P=0.009), used less alcohol (P≤0.001), and were
physically more active (P≤0.001).
A total of 158 participants (100 women and 58 men) were included in
the final analyses. The mean age was 44 years,
average BMI before weight loss 35.9 kg/m2 and after weight loss 26.1
kg/m2, average weight loss was 26.5% or 32.4 kg.
Medical Research: What should clinicians and patients take away from your report?
Response: People who want achieve long-term weight loss successfully should
decrease alcohol consumption and increase physical activity including
both leisure-time and commuting exercise. Smoking cessation is an
important part of a healthier life style, in this study 40% of
participants had stopped smoked and still succeed in weight loss.
Despite previous unsuccessful attempts people should be encouraged to
try again. There is no one-size fits all methods for successful weight
loss.
Medical Research: What recommendations do you have for future research as a result of this study?
Response: More in depth analysis focusing upon genetic factors and personality
factors in order to identify what method is most appropriate for whom
should be undertaken.
Citation:
Lifestyle-related factors associated with successful weight loss
Soini S1, Mustajoki P, Eriksson JG.
Ann Med. 2015 Mar 9:1-6. [Epub ahead of print]
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MedicalResearch.com Interview with:Sirpa Soini, MHC, researcher (2015). Successful Long Term Weight Loss May Hinge On Increasing Exercise, Decreasing Alcohol
Last Updated on March 18, 2015 by Marie Benz MD FAAD