Final answer:
Individuals who maintain long-term weight loss typically engage in regular physical activity and monitor their weight regularly. They follow a low-calorie, low-fat diet accompanied by high levels of physical activity, with emphasis on behavioral changes such as healthy food choices and increased lifestyle activity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Individuals from the National Weight Loss Registry who maintain their weight loss long-term typically engage in a few key behaviors. According to the research findings, these individuals:
- Engage in regular physical activity.
- Monitor their weight regularly.
While low-carbohydrate and high-protein diets are common in some weight-loss strategies, the most effective approach reported by NWCR members involves adhering to a low-calorie, low-fat diet and performing high levels of activity, such as walking. Emphasis is placed on behavioral change strategies, including healthy food choices and lifestyle activity adjustments. These individuals typically follow healthy-eating guidelines, exercise about an hour per day, eat breakfast daily, limit television viewing, and weigh themselves at least once a week.
It is important to note that the strategies for maintaining weight loss are part of a comprehensive approach to a healthier lifestyle, and evidence suggests that these practices also lead to a lower risk of type 2 diabetes and improve cardiometabolic risk factors.