One in four Canadians is obese and many of them are trying to lose weight, but scientific research indicates that if they do lose weight it is extremely difficult for them to keep it off. “Actually, the data is pretty darn grim unfortunately,” says Timothy Caulfield a professor of law and public health at the University of Alberta.
Only five per cent succeed
Evidence is mounting that only a small minority manage to not put back on the weight they lost or gain back even more. Most recently, a study out of the University of Minnesota found that only five per cent who try to lose weight succeed in the long run.
“The people that succeed make long-term meaningful lifestyle changes and you have to maintain it forever,” says Caulfield. “So we need to find a way to promote long-term lifestyle change and not short-term dieting.”
‘Biology…conspiring against us’
Psychological and physiological factors lead people to regain the weight they have lost. People have survived through the centuries because they like and seek food, and because their bodies have many mechanisms to prevent weight loss. There is some evidence, though it has been disputed, that people may have a “set-point” for body weight that the body strives to keep stable through altering metabolism, tastes, appetite and even activity levels. “Biology is conspiring against us in this regard,” says Caulfield.
We only want to look good
Psychological and cultural factors that help us keep weight on include our obsession with food and a food industry that aggressively pushes its products. Caulfield also notes that people work out so they will look good and, when they don’t lose as much weight as they thought they would, or they gain it back, research suggests they lose their motivation. He adds, this could be why health workers are reluctant to talk about the fact that people are mostly unsuccessful in maintaining weight loss.
It’s about healthy living
The problem of obesity is so complex that it is very difficult for countries around the world to tackle, says Caulfield. He thinks there are two strategies that could work. First and foremost, it would be best to prevent weight gain, since once it is gained it is very difficult to get off in a permanent way.
Secondly, he says people must somehow be convinced to embrace healthy living for the long term. That means healthy eating and physical activity forever–a tough sell.
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.