Lessons Learned From the National Weight Control Registry

The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) is a registry of more than 6000 individual s who have succeeded in long-term weight loss. This is the largest group of successful weight loss maintainers that has ever been studied. Over the past decade, we have identified many similarities in how these individuals are managing their body weight. We think this information can be useful in helping more people succeed at long-term weight management. We have eight recommendations for weight management based on our research: (1) treat weight-loss maintenance differently from weight loss; (2) make sure you are physically active during weight loss; (3) low-fat diets are best for preventing weight regain; (4) eat breakfast every day; (5) weigh yourself regularly and periodically keep diet and physical activity diaries; (6) get at least 1 h each day of physical activity; (7) maintain a consistent eating pattern; and (8) limit television viewing.