What predicts weight regain in a group of successful weight losers?

This study identified predictors of weight gain versus continued maintenanc e among individuals already successful at long-term weight loss. Weight, be havior, and psychological information was collected on entry into the study and 1 year later. Thirty-five percent gained weight over the year of follo w-up, and 59% maintained their weight losses. Risk factors for weight regai n included more recent weight losses (less than 2 years vs. 2 years or more ), larger weight losses (greater than 30% of maximum weight vs. less than 3 0%), and higher levels of depression, dietary disinhibition, and binge eati ng levels at entry into the registry. Over the year of follow-up, gainers r eported greater decreases in energy expenditure and greater increases in pe rcentage of calories from fat. Gainers also reported greater decreases in r estraint and increases in hunger, dietary disinhibition, and binge eating. This study suggests that several years of successful weight maintenance inc rease the probability of future weight maintenance and that weight regain i s due at least in part to failure to maintain behavior changes.