Study Suggests Keys to Weight Control

(Page 2)

In another finding, those who didn't meet public health recommendations for physical activity to improve health (moderate activity at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week; or vigorous activity at least 60 minutes a day, three times a week) were twice as likely to regain weight as those who met those recommendations.

It may take less exercise than previously thought to sustain weight loss, Weiss said. He found no differences in regained weight in the group that followed the vigorous exercise guidelines, compared to those who followed the moderate guidelines.

Groups of people may differ in their ability to keep weight off. For instance, Mexican-Americans were twice as likely to regain weight as non-Hispanic whites, but Weiss said this finding needs further research.

Despite the inherent difficulties in studying weight loss and regaining pounds again, and the new study's limitations, Lona Sandon, a spokeswoman for the American Dietetic Association, sees some valuable messages in the new research.

"Exercise is not voluntary once you lose the excess weight," said Sandon, an assistant professor of clinical nutrition at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. "It is mandatory for keeping the weight off."

Another key message? "Step away from the television," Sandon said. "TV watching is a behavior associated with weight gain."

"Make lifestyle changes that promote a healthy weight," she added, suggesting changes not only in exercise but in eating habits.

More information

For more on maintaining a healthy weight, visit the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.