Though maintenance programs helped children lose weight and keep it off, the long-term effects are not strong or consistent. A recent study conducted at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis also found that, when left to their own devices, kids will regain weight once a weight-loss program comes to an end.
"The researchers studied obese youngsters from 1999-2004 at a university clinic in San Diego, where [Denise] Wilfely used to teach. The children weighed at least 65 percent more than their recommended weight. All of the children in the study also had at least one parent who was overweight."
Researchers discovered that the best outcome was had by kids who changed their social groups - spending more time with kids who were active and healthy.
Labels: influences, long_term_weight_loss, weight_loss