UNC Weight Loss Study Shows Positive Results

From high-intensity training, to low-impact sports, there are many ways to go about staying in shape.

But in an effort to decide which method is best, UNC professor of health and nutrition, Deborah Tate, has compared two popular methods.

“Unfortunately, losing weight and then keeping that weight off proves extremely difficult and challenging for the majority of people. So we took a step back to think, ‘When are the high risk times when people gain weight?’”

Tate found this high risk time is between the ages 18 to 35. Young adults during this period gain an average of 30 pounds – a trend Tate says is becoming increasingly more dangerous.

“We’re getting high blood pressure, high cholesterol and heart disease risk factors earlier than our parents’ or our grandparents’ generation and one reason they suspect this is because of the weight gain.”

The first weight loss method Tate tested was called “slow changes.”

A group of 200 people were told to add 2,000 extra steps and eat 100 less calories per day over a three year period.

“You do that every day, just a little bit, not too burdensome, but every single day. Versus the large changes – that was very periodic.”

The “large changes” group cut their calories by 500 every day and increased physical activity to four hours over an eight week period.

“It buffers you against those weight gains that are going to happen over time so that the result is that you end up at least at, or below, where you would have started.”

Tate found that both methods resulted in healthier body weights for the participants. In addition, the two groups achieved their fitness goals at a higher rate than the control group – people who were trying to lose weight on their own.

“Both of them worked better than the self-guided group over the three years and we actually cut risks of becoming obese in half.”

Tate said one of the keys to success was the daily weigh-ins where participants were encouraged to track their progress.

“You can’t know where you’re trying to go or where you’ve been if you don’t have that regular yardstick or that regular measurement.”

Aside from the improved numbers on the scale, Tate said one of the biggest triumphs of the study is the self confidence it gave the participants and anyone else looking to lose weight.

“This study shows that you can do it and that participants really were able to follow both approaches and adapt their lifestyle.”

Whether that lifestyle includes small changes, or big ones, Tate says both work just fine.

Featured image via ptpioneer.com

UNC Weight Loss Study Shows Positive Results

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