The enormous cost of obesity complications along with the challenges of helping people lose weight might suggest the need for intense and complex solutions. However, a fascinating new study from New Zealand suggests a simple program of weigh-ins and supportive phone calls was as effective as more elaborate approaches to keep the pounds off.
Starting with 200 women who had lost at least 5% of the body weight in the last six months, investigators compared those who received intensive, multi-disciplinary care with those who received simple support (weigh-in 2 times per month, a monthly support meeting, and an assigned “buddy”). At the end of two years both groups had sustained modest additional weight loss.
PositiveTip: Find some ongoing friendly support to help you stick with your plan to lose weight. Providing that same consistent friendliness to someone else will help you, too!