Effectiveness of weight loss and maintenance interventions in women.

Overweight and obesity in women contribute to increased risk of many health problems, including type 2 diabetes. A systematic review of the weight loss literature found 17 articles in which women were the sole subjects and studies were a minimum of 1 year or longer in duration. Data were pooled and average weight loss and maintenance for women at 6 and 12 months was determined for each of the six interventions. Diet as the primary intervention resulted in a weight loss of approximately 7 kg at 6 months (approximately 13% of their initial weight), which was maintained to 12 months. When specific goals for physical activity or weight loss medications were combined with diet, better outcomes were experienced. Regardless of the intervention, at approximately 6 months a weight loss plateau occurred. All of the studies included at least monthly follow-up.