Repeated lifestyle interventions lead to progressive weight loss: A retrospective review chart study

Aims: This study aimed to investigate whether repeated lifestyle interventions lead to progressive weight loss or to weight cycling. Methods: A retrospective review chart study with follow-up on 2120 participants (mean±SD age 36±15 years; body weight 116±28 kg; fat 43±6%). All had participated in one to four 11–12 week lifestyle interventions (residential weight loss programme, mixed activities). Weight loss was promoted through a hypocaloric diet (−500 to −700 kcal/day) and daily physical activity (1–3 hours/day). Primary outcomes were weight loss and change in body composition (bioimpedance measurements) after the intervention periods and at follow-up. Results: A total of 2120, 526, 139 and 47 people participated in one to four interventions with mean±SEM times from start to follow-up of 1.3±0.1, 2.9±0.2, 4.2±0.3 and 5.2±0.4 years respectively. Overall 50, 41, 18 and 11% of the participants were lost to follow-up after one to four interventions, respectively. The cumulated weight loss at follow-up incre...