Final answer:
Effective weight loss and maintenance programs combine behavioral interventions, healthy diet following the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, and consistent moderate physical activity to achieve lasting results.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three most effective programs for weight loss and weight maintenance combine interventions such as behavioral weight loss interventions, evidence-based dietary recommendations, and consistent physical activity. Behavioral interventions typically include strategies like self-monitoring, nutrition education, goal-setting for eating and exercise, behavior modification techniques, and relapse prevention. The success of these programs is also reflected in the habits of individuals in the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) who have maintained significant weight loss, adhering to a low-calorie, low-fat diet, and engaging in high levels of physical activity.
It's critical to choose interventions that are not only effective in the short term but include strategies for maintaining weight loss. Fad diets, which are often unsustainable and can have negative health impacts, are to be avoided. Instead, intervention programs that incorporate the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are recommended. These guidelines advocate for a dietary pattern with a balance of vegetables, fruits, grains, low-fat dairy, protein foods, and oils while limiting saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium. Regular moderate exercise, around one hour per day, is another key component of these evidence-based programs. Integrating these elements can help individuals achieve a healthier weight and improve overall wellness.