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. 2019 Feb;20(2):171-211.
doi: 10.1111/obr.12772. Epub 2018 Oct 16.

Determinants of weight loss maintenance: a systematic review

R D M Varkevisser  1 , M M van Stralen  1 , W Kroeze  1 , J C F Ket  2 , I H M Steenhuis  1
Affiliations

Determinants of weight loss maintenance: a systematic review

R D M Varkevisser et al. Obes Rev. 2019 Feb.

Abstract

Background: Discerning the determinants of weight loss maintenance is important in the planning of future interventions and policies regarding overweight and obesity. We have therefore systematically synthesized recent literature on determinants of weight loss maintenance for individuals with overweight and obesity.

Methods: With the use of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement, prospective studies were identified from searches in PubMed and PsycINFO from 2006 to 2016. We included articles investigating adults with overweight and obesity undergoing weight loss without surgery or medication. Included articles were scored on their methodological quality, and a best-evidence synthesis was applied to summarize the results.

Results: Our search resulted in 8,222 articles of which 67 articles were selected. In total, 124 determinants were identified of which 5 were demographic, 59 were behavioural, 51 were psychological/cognitive and 9 were social and physical environmental determinants. We found consistent evidence that demographic determinants were not predictive of weight loss maintenance. Behavioural and cognitive determinants that promote a reduction in energy intake, an increase in energy expenditure and monitoring of this balance are predictive determinants.

Conclusion: This review identifies key determinants in weight loss maintenance. However, more research regarding cognitive and environmental determinants of weight loss maintenance is needed to advance our knowledge on determinants of weight loss maintenance.

Keywords: Obesity; overweight; predictors; weight loss maintenance; weight management; weight regain.

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Conflict of interest statement

We declare to have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Categorization of determinants
Figure 2
Figure 2
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses flow diagram [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
Figure 3
Figure 3
Determinants of weight loss maintenance. Determinants in bold have a strong level evidence; those not bolded have moderate level of evidence. The green arrows indicate positive factors for weight loss maintenance. The red arrow indicates negative determinants in weight loss maintenance. Determinants that are not significant for weight loss maintenance are represented in the dotted box [Colour figure can be viewed at wileyonlinelibrary.com]
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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