The National Weight Control Registry has been used to identify what factors help maintain a weight loss. The participants in the ongoing registry have lost a minimum of 30 lbs. and have maintained it for a year. Certain behaviors have been identified that are associated with weight maintenance. Some of these include: 45+ minutes of exercise most days of the week; following a low-fat, calorie-controlled plan; eating similarly to your regular eating plan on special occasions such as holidays/vacations; self-monitoring such as weighing yourself regularly; keeping a food diary; and support from others.

Answered by Maxine Smith, RD, LD. Ms. Smith has more than 20 years of experience as a registered, clinical dietitian and currently works in the department of Nutrition Therapy. Areas of special interest include weight, lipid and diabetes management and disease prevention.