New Strategies That can Help Young Adults Avoid Weight Gain

Individuals typically gain the most excess weight of their lifetimes between 18 to 35 years of age. Strategies that might help young adults avoid weight gain have been identified by scientists. These findings could help prevent obesity during this period. As many in this age group are typically parents of small children, the study also has the potential to break the cycle of obesity across generations. The investigation involved 599 participants, half of whom had normal weight and half of whom were overweight. Through the study, participants were taught to weigh themselves frequently, daily if possible. One set of participants, referred to as the 'small-change' group, was taught to use that information to make small dietary and physical activity changes if they experienced any weight gain (for example, smaller portions at meals, using stairs instead of elevators). Another group, referred to as the 'large-change' group, was asked to lose five to 10 pounds to start and then to use the information from frequent weighing to try to maintain at least that amount of weight loss.

The researchers found that both groups were successful at preventing weight gain as compared to the control group, which received minimal instruction about preventing weight gain. Those in the small-change group lost an average of 1.2 pounds, while those in the large-change group lost nearly 5.2 pounds over two to three years. Those in the control group gained an average of a half of a pound. Additionally, nearly 20% of those in the control group became obese, while only about 8% of those who were taught to control their weight did.

Based on the study results, small dietary changes as well as physical activity and frequent weighing might help young adults successfully maintain their weight, particularly during the transition to adulthood. Maintaining a healthy weight as a young adult might also make it easier to continue weight-control measures later in life and to pass those habits to younger generations.

The study was funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; and is published in JAMA Internal Medicine.

Source-Eurekalert