Long-term Weight Maintenance after Successful Weight Loss: Motivational Factors, Support, Difficulties, and Success Factors.

OBJECTIVES

The main aims of this study were to assess motivational factors for weight loss, and support and difficulties during the weight loss and weight maintenance phase.

METHODS

This study was based upon findings from the Finnish Weight Control Registry (FWCR), including 158 formerly obese persons, who lost at least 10% of their initial weight and maintained it for at least 2 years. Data have been collected through electronic forms.

RESULTS

The 2 most commonly reported motivational factors for weight loss were health- and appearance-related factors. Women reported dissatisfaction with their body more commonly than men (p = .023), whereas men reported health-related reasons (p = .008) more often. The majority (58%) reported losing weight alone, without any outside support, men more commonly than women (p = .006). Persons reported fewer difficulties during the maintenance than during the weight loss phase.

CONCLUSIONS

Various motivational factors for losing weight may lead to successful weight loss and long-term weight maintenance. Marked sex differences were reported in relation to difficul- ties and need for support.