National Weight Control Registry (U.S.)

The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) is a collaborative venture between three U.S. universities. The NWCR represents a longitudinal prospective study of individuals aged 18 years and over, who have successfully maintained a 30 pound (approximately 18 kg) weight loss for at least 1 year.

Individuals who enrol in the registry are periodically asked to complete questionnaires about their weight history and status, weight loss success, current weight maintenance strategies, and other health-related behaviours. Recruitment for the registry is ongoing.

Some key findings (sourced from website):

• Successful weight losers report making substantial changes in eating and exercise habits to loss and maintain their weight.
• The average registrant has lost about 60 pounds / 18 kg, and has maintained that loss for approximately 5 years.
• Two-thirds of successful weight losers were overweight as a child, and 60% report a family history of obesity.
• About half of participants lost weight on their own accord, without any type of assistance or formal weight loss program.
• Low carb and low fat diets are common, but more enrollees show to be on a low carb diet than a low fat diet.
• Walking is the most frequently cited form of physical activity by registry members.

For further information, and to view the questionnaire, please refer to the website of the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Center for Human Nutrition.