Today we realize that the amount of weight loss achieved and maintained has to be realistic, and be viewed from the perspective of the natural weight development in humans in our current society, weight which increases over time.
Relatively small amounts of weight loss significantly improve metabolic factors.
Weight cycling probably does not have negative medical effects but may be linked to more psychologic problems.
The identification of factors associated with weight loss maintenance can enhance our understanding of the behaviors and prerequisites that are crucial in sustaining a lowered body weight. Successful weight loss maintenance is associated with more initial weight loss, reaching a self‐determined goal weight, having a physically active lifestyle, a regular meal rhythm including breakfast and healthier eating, control over eating and self‐monitoring of behaviors. Weight maintenance is further associated with an internal motivation to lose weight, social support, better coping strategies and ability to handle life stress, self‐efficacy, autonomy, assuming responsibility in life, and overall more psychologic strengths and stability.
Factors that may pose a risk for weight regain include disinhibited eating, binge eating, more hunger, eating in response to negative emotions and stress, psychologic distress, and more passive reactions to problems.
Finally, treatment considerations are discussed.