To think a person could lose 100 pounds in just 44 weeks by changing their behavior is quite impressive. James Anderson, a doctor and professor at the University of Kentucky has just led a nine-year study of patients who have lost 100 or more pounds. This weight loss result was achieved by following an intensive behavioral program.
Dr James Anderson, who is a professor at the University of Kentucky (UK), has been involved in clinical research for more than 33 years. In the early 1980’s, he pioneered the use of high fiber diets for treatment of diabetes and launched the “oatmeal craze.” Therapeutic specialties include obesity, diabetes, lipid disorders, and nutrition. He is also the director of the Obesity Research Network, a nationwide network of physicians and scientists recognized for their work in the treatment of obesity and experience in clinical research trials.
There were 118 men and women involved in the weight loss study using behavioral changes. There were 63 men and 55 women involved in this 9-year study. The average starting weight of the participants was 353 pounds. The study showed the average weight loss was 134 pounds in just 44 weeks.
According to Anderson, “This study shows that one in four persons who participate in an intensive weight loss program for 12 weeks can go on to lose over 100 pounds. This program has much lower risks than surgery and can lead to similar long-term weight loss.”
Study participants were enrolled in the Health Management Resources(HMR) Weight Management Program, an intensive behavioral program, which is a partnership between HMR and UK. The program is based on limited calorie intake — 1,000 to 1,200 calories daily. They used specialty entrees and also meal replacements (ex: protein drink). They were also required to increase their physical activity. Most of the participants chose walking as their mode of exercise.
Their dramatic weight loss had many benefits. It lowered blood pressure, cholesterol levels, diabetes, and sleep apnea. 66% of the group were able to discontinue their high blood pressure medicine as well as medication for high blood lipids. They were also able to discontinue medicine they were taking for diabetes or degenerative joint disease.
“Losing more than 100 pounds is a great achievement,” Anderson said. “But the overall benefits in ability to enjoy life and be a full participant in activities with family and friends are more important to most people than are the reduced need to take medicine and worry about health issues.”
this can definitely be done. humans are creatures of habit and thats what s the main issue with most people when they embark on a weight loss regimen.
I am convinced that the only way to real weight loss, health and INNER peace that comes with it is though behavioural change. I am also shocked that there is no medical help for this. I have been on a waiting list for almost 3 years to see a medical doctor who specializes in obesity issues- yet I could get a gastric bypass next week if i wanted.
I am not against WLS, but it does some drastic to change major body organs.
As a person who needs to lose more than 100 pounds myself, I agree 100% that it can be done, and of course it requires major behavioral changes. However, I’d love to know what percentage of people who lose weight that quickly keep it off. There’s no way I’d be willing to maintain a 1000 – 1200 calorie/day diet for life. Right now I’m losing an average of 1 pound a week on 2500 – 3000 calories, and I’m confident that when I reach my goal weight, I’ll STAY there!
I lost 155 pounds in 13 months. I lost 25 pounds the first month and 2.5 pounds/week for 1 year. I did not plateau ever during that time. I have kept off the weight now for 7 years. I just had two children and was able to return to my pre-pregnancy weight within 3 months of each birth.
It can be done. It does take will and perseverance probably more than anything.
I was hyper-vigilant and knew that in a year or so from the start time, I would be able to start a new life.
Everyone is physically capable of doing. I don’t believe everyone is emotionally able to do it. You need to reprogram yourself. Perhaps treat your eating more like fuel for a machine. Just like gassing up and going about your day. Not having eating be what your day is about.
I would love to help anyone who is trying to lose. I was 306 pounds (perhaps even more) and I am know what a daunting task it feels like.
Please help me! I am well over 300lbs I think. I’m too scared to get on a scale. I have two small children and need to loose weight for them. I’ve tried weight watcher’s many times, i’ve tried doing it on my own, i’ve tried reading books, excercise, but i just can’t stick to anything. Please help!
Thanks,
Bonnie McDonald
Bonnie,
I understand your frustration. Have you tried finding someone that will exercise with you? A personal trainer might also help. You need family and friends to support you while you are on your weight loss journey. Remember, you didn’t gain the weight in a month, and you aren’t going to lose it that fast either. Just take it one day at a time. If you slip up one day, it’s ok….don’t beat yourself up. Just start fresh the next day. There are many people that have blogs on here that are very inspiring. Take time to read what is working for them and incorporate some of those ideas into your lifestyle.
I’ll be keeping you in my prayers. God can move a mountains, He can surely help you lose weight.
I have so far lost 29lbs doing weight watchers since this may. I have about another 100lbs to go. It is possible. It hasn’t been easy. I have had three blood clots in my leg and I suffer from severe lymphedema. I have run\walked four 5ks, a 10K and a half marathon since starting this journey. It hasn’t been easy but I am doing it!
I am 310 pounds.I want to loose weight.I have sleep apnea.
I am 63 years old.I used to weight 140 pounds less then 12
years ago.I feel depressed and hopeless.I try to diet and
after 2-3 weeks my weight stops going down and I give up and
go back to eating foods which I like and within 2 weeks I gain
back what ever I had lost plus some more weight.
This is a sad and frustrating cycle of my recent life.
I really need help,and if not daily at least weekly support.
Any advise?
Fari, I really think you would benefit from a group called TOPS. There are women from all ages in that group {lots in our age group}. It is a non profit group so it doesn’t cost much money to belong. They have chapters all over the country. Check at TOPS.org and find a group in your area.
You will get lots of support in the group as well lots of weight loss ideas. Please check back in and let me know if you decided to give it a try.
to me its good to see other people making simple mistakes dieting because obviously you know what to eat more or less and what not to but in the moment you lose your reason and slip up and don’t treat your body right. I have been there. I am? finally on the right path more or less but still enjoy reading diet books and blogs because I will always need motivation and support.
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I have lost 80lbs and I my goal is 110 lbs total weight loss. I dont understand this 44 week thing because its taken me 2 years to get where I am. I can say for the most part that each month was a weight loss for the most part. I do feel empowered however because I have learned new habits with workouts and eating right every day. Some one once asked me “was it hard losing the weight?” Instictively I answered NO! What was hard was being that big,losing the weight compared to being that big was hard.
Thanks for reading and may God give you the strenght you need to make it happen!
Jay,
GREAT JOB!!!! There are so many that would love to be where you on your weight loss journey. You are proof that a consistent routine of excerise and eating right WILL result in weight loss. You have inspired many by sharing your story. Thanks!!!
Chris