A comparison of two weight maintenance programs following weight loss in women

Women (43±10 y; 33.6±;4.7 kg/m2) randomized to group B (n = 37; Curves® program of a reduced‐calorie diet including whole grain cereals and snack bars [General Mills, Inc.] and circuit training 3d/wk) lost more weight over 10 wks than women randomized to group A (n=40; a reduced‐calorie program that included Special K® cereals and cereal bars [Kellogg Company]) (‐6.7±8.5 vs ‐3.5±5.8 lbs, respectively; Q p=0.005). Following 10‐wk weight loss, women were instructed to continue to follow their respective diet and exercise recommendations, but to consume adequate kcals to maintain weight. Changes in body weight and DEXA‐measured fat mass at 1‐, 3‐ and 6‐ months of weight maintenance were compared between groups. Both groups surpassed 10‐wk weight loss during the maintenance phase, with change from pre‐study greater for group B than group A at 1‐ (‐8.3±9.9 vs. ‐4.0±6.8 lbs; Q p=0.005), 3‐ (‐9.0±11.6 vs. ‐5.1 ±9.9 lbs; Q p=0.005) and 6‐months (‐7.2±13.0 lbs vs. ‐4.8±13.9; Q p=0.005). Changes in fat mass were also greater for group B than group A at 1‐ (‐5.5±7.0 vs. ‐2.3±5.6lbs; Q p=0.015), 3‐ (‐6.2±9.0 vs ‐3.2±8.2 lbs; Q p=0.015) and 6‐months (‐5.2±8.0 vs. ‐3.3±10.6 lbs; Q p=0.015). Results suggest that women can achieve and maintain significant, favorable changes in body weight and body composition following a structured diet and exercise program, like Curves®.