Late successful weight reduction and maintenance among overweight and obese adults-A two-year retrospective study

Aims: Our purpose was to identify those factors associated with successful late weight reduction and maintenance among overweight and obese adults who failed to achieve initial weight reduction success. Methods: Medical computerized files of 5254 participants, who failed to achieve ≥5% weight reduction after an initial 6-month period, were retrospectively analyzed to identify predictors associated with late successful weight reduction and maintenance (≥5% during the first and second years, respectively). Over 40 independent variables were analyzed. The main outcome was the percentage of weight change. Results: Significant predictors of late success in weight reduction were as follows: more visits to a dietitian, higher baseline BMI, and any initial weight reduction (0-5%) (OR = 3.69, compared with participants who initially gained weight). The use of insulin (OR = 0.499) and the presence of hypertension (OR = 0.75) were significantly correlated with failure to reduce weight. Predictors of late maintenance were as follows: more visits to a dietitian, higher baseline BMI, any initial weight reduction, a younger age, not being treated with insulin (OR = 0.316), and more weighings (OR = 1.68). Conclusions: A substantial sub-group of obese and overweight patients was able to reduce their weight at a slower rate than the defined successful time of 6 months. Significant specific predictors were identified. Diabetic and hypertensive patients are at a significantly higher risk of failure to reduce and maintain weight. Using regression models, we calculated the probability of successful late weight reduction. This calculation could serve as a clinical tool for a professional team.