THE EFFECT OF WEIGHT-LOSS REGIMEN ON SUBSEQUENT WEIGHT MAINTENANCE INDOGS

Long term studies indicate that the majority of humans regain the weig ht lost during weight reduction programs. In dogs, while some informat ion is available regarding weight loss programs, no data have been pub lished regarding the ability to maintain lower weight following weight loss. The objectives of this study were to determine the ability of d ogs to maintain weight loss following a weight reduction program and t o determine if the degree of caloric restriction or rate of weight los s affected subsequent body weight change. Thirty-nine dogs were assign ed to 4 treatment groups (100%, 75%, 60% or 50% calculated maintenance energy requirements for target body weight) and were allowed up to 16 weeks for weight loss. Following weight loss, dogs were assigned to b e fed ad libitum or were fed to maintain body weight for an additional 26 weeks. All dogs were fed the same low calorie dog food throughout the study. The weights of ail groups of dogs fed ad libitum during the maintenance period ''rebounded'', increasing by the end of week 1. Th e percent weight gain was correlated to the amount of weight lost and to the level of caloric restriction (p<0.01). Dogs from all weight los s treatments which were control fed to maintain weight following weigh t loss were able to maintain their weight loss. After 26 weeks of weig ht maintenance, there was no difference in weight loss between the 4 w eight loss regimens. This study demonstrated that dogs, like humans, e xperience a weight ''rebound'' following caloric restriction which is greater subsequent to severe caloric restriction. The rebound effect a nd weight regain can be controlled by a slow rate of weight loss or by continuing to limit the dog's intake.