Strategies for improving maintenance of weight loss. Toward a continuous care model of obesity management.

The management of obesity represents an important objective in the care of many NIDDM patients. In recent years, progress has been made in increasing initial weight reductions, but poor long-term maintenance of weight loss remains a vital clinical concern. This article reviews the challenge of weight-loss maintenance and recommends the adoption of a continuous care model of obesity management. Strategies to improve the long-term maintenance of weight loss are described, and empirical tests of their effectiveness are reviewed. Collectively, the findings suggest that, after treatment for obesity, multifaceted programs comprised of continued professional contact, skills training, social support, and exercise, can enhance the long-term maintenance of weight loss.