Can Weight Loss (and its benefits) be Maintained?

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: May 18, 2019

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Overweight and obesity are strong risk factors for type 2 diabetes (T2D). Excess body weight is strongly associated with insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Weight loss plays a central role in efforts to prevent or delay T2D. In persons with overweight or obesity improved glycemia is readily noticeable with weight loss. However the health benefits of weight loss may last only when the initial weight loss persists over the long term.

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) was a randomized controlled trial (RCT) that ran from July 1996 to July 2001. The DPP compared the efficacy of intensive lifestyle intervention (ILS), metformin, and placebo in prevention of T2D in 3234 participants with elevated glucose levels and overweight or obesity. Its Outcomes Study (DPPOS) began in September 2002 and examined 2779 (88.5%) of the remaining DPP participants.

A recent study analyzed the data from the DPPOS with the primary objective to identify some predictors of long-term weight loss (LTWL). It compared the differences in LTWL maintenance in the original intervention group among those who achieved at least 5% weight loss at 1 year and examined the baseline factors that predicted maintenance of weight loss for up to 15 years.

Three key findings emerged:

Although twice as many participants in the ILS group versus the metformin group lost at least 5% of their weight in the first year, those who were originally assigned to metformin had greater success in maintaining LTWL.
Other independent characteristics of LTWL identified were a greater 1-year weight loss in all the groups; older age and the prior use of metformin in the metformin group; older age and absence of either diabetes or a family history of diabetes in the ILS group; and a lower baseline fasting plasma glucose in the placebo group.
Cumulative diabetes incidence rates over 15 years were lower among those who lost at least 5% of their weight in the first year.

Long-Term Weight Loss With Metformin or Lifestyle Intervention in the Diabetes Prevention Program Outcomes Study

John W. Apolzan, PhD; Elizabeth M. Venditti, PhD; Sharon L. Edelstein, ScM; William C. Knowler, MD, DrPH; Dana Dabelea, MD; Edward J. Book, MD; Xavier Pi-Sunyer, MD; Rita R. Kalyani, MD; Paul W. Franks, PhD; Preethi Srikanthan, MD; and Kishore M. Gadde, MD; for the Diabetes Prevention Program Research Group

Ann Intern Med. doi: 10.7326/M18-1605

This article was published at annals.org on 23 April 2019.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

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Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

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Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

Reviews

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 415 reviews 
    
  
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything perfect
     
   Andi K 
 3 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 9 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 11 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
 27 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
   Merle S 
 34 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 37 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 44 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
   Robert D 
 46 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 48 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
   Stephanie P 
 62 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
     
   Theresa G 
 67 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is pretty amazing but Kim the NP is absolutely one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met !
     
   Mary K 
 68 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
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