Behavioral Weight Loss Plan

  Behavioral weight-loss plans that focus on diet and/or exercise are considered the most effective tr

Behavioral weight-loss plans that focus on diet and/or exercise are considered the most effective treatments for obesity. Such programs have also been proven effective in treating and reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Weight loss through diet and exercise modification has been found to have a preventive effect by reducing the risk of developing diabetes by more than 30% with as little as a 4.5 kg weight loss. In addition, several studies have found that individuals with diabetes derive many health benefits from losing weight

Behavioral Weight-Loss Programs

The behaviors targeted in behavioral weight-loss programs are primarily diet and exercise, which are altered through behavioral modification techniques. A "state-of-the-art" weight-loss program typically consists of 16–24 treatment sessions delivered over a 6-month period. A group treatment format is typically used, with 10–20 participants and a multidisciplinary team of therapists (nutritionists, behavior therapists, and exercise physiologists). Participants are given calorie goals of approximately 1,200–1,500 calories per day. These calorie goals are selected to produce an energy deficit of 500–1,000 calories per day and consequently a 1–2 pound-per-week weight loss. Fat gram goals are typically equal to a 20–25% fat diet. Participants are encouraged to expend a minimum of 1,000 calories per week through moderate physical activity (e.g., brisk walking for 30 minutes, 5 days per week). This table summarizes the general structure and goals of a typical behavioral weight- loss program.

Main Components of a Behavioral Weight- Loss Program
• 16–24 treatment sessions over 6 months
• Group format of 10–20 members
• Team of professionals (dietitians, exercise physiologists, behaviorists)
• Daily self-monitoring of calories, fat, and activity (minutes or calories)
• Calorie goal of 1,200–1,500 calories per day
• Fat gram goal of 20% of calories coming from fat
• Exercise goal of 1,000 kcal per week (or 150 minutes) of moderate activity

Exercise

The exercise goal of 1,000 calories expended through exercise each week is based on the recommendation of the American College of Sports Medicine as an exercise level sufficient to reduce body weight. Participants gradually work up to this level over a period of 4–6 weeks. They are also encouraged to increase daily "lifestyle" activities, such as parking farther away from buildings and taking the stairs instead of elevators.

Outcomes of Behavioral Weight-Loss Plans

Behavioral weight-loss programs containing the components described above have proven effective in treating obesity and produce an average weight loss of 18–20 lbs. within 6 months. Long-term weight loss, however, has not been as promising, with participants retaining only 60% of their initial weight loss 1 year after treatment. Given this, researchers are increasingly focused on finding ways to improve treatment outcomes and long-term weight loss. The following sections of this article will discuss some of the new approaches to improving long-term outcomes, including helping participants set more reasonable goal weights, decreasing barriers to exercise, providing food for participants, preventing weight gain, and changing the environment to facilitate healthy eating and physical activity.


About the author:
Alberta McKain is nutritionist woman who used to be fat. After testing tens of so-called "wonder diets" she decided to create a Weight Loss Programs Review Website, containing a top of the 3 best programs with a brief description about their features and benefits.

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