Final answer:
To maintain weight loss over time, it is important to establish a healthy pattern of eating and physical activity. This includes monitoring food portions, increasing exercise, and making long-term changes to eating habits. Starting with small exercise goals and rewarding oneself can help maintain motivation.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to maintain weight loss over time, it is important to establish a healthy pattern of eating and physical activity. This can include monitoring food portions, ensuring that energy consumed from foods meets the energy expenditures required for body functions and activity, and making long-term changes to eating habits. It is also beneficial to increase physical activity levels and incorporate exercise into daily routines.
According to the National Weight Control Registry, successful weight loss can be achieved by modifying food intake and increasing physical activity. Many individuals in the registry adhere to a low-calorie, low-fat diet and engage in at least one hour of exercise per day. Additionally, they often eat breakfast every day, limit television viewing, and regularly weigh themselves.
Finally, it is important to avoid an all-or-nothing point of view, start with small exercise goals, and be kind to oneself. Gradually increasing the amount of exercise and reinforcing positive behaviors with rewards can help maintain weight loss over time.