Abstract

Compensatory changes in energy consumption and neuro-hormonal changes following weight loss make it difficult to maintain the reduced weight and may cause weight regain. Therefore, establishing a long-term weight control plan and strategy starting from the initial weight loss period is necessary. Both the patient and doctor should know that weight loss cannot occur continuously, and that maintaining weight after the weight loss period is the basic course of obesity treatment. No single dietary pattern is effective for weight maintenance, and a variety of dietary control methods — such as calorie restriction and healthy proportions of carbohydrates,proteins, fats, and meal replacements — should be used to target an integrated and healthy dietary habit. An increase in physical activity is needed for weight loss and maintenance; however, rather than recommending an excessive amount of exercise,it is better to set realistic and long-term achievable goals. It is necessary to reset the goal according to the patient's weight maintenance stage and continuously apply behavioral therapies, such as self-monitoring and stress management. In previous studies, since the degree of weight loss and changes in behavioral patterns over the course of one year were important factors in maintaining long-term weight loss, obesity therapists should closely examine patient data and behavioral patterns across a period of one year and actively intervene when needed.