Exercise and restricted diet
Notably, while exercise and calorie-controlled or restricted diets were among the most popular weight-loss methods in U.K. participants, they were amongst the least successful strategies. For instance, while 26.5% of adults who controlled their diet said they had lost weight, 17.1% reported their weight had increased. For those who took part in an exercise program, 33.3% said they lost weight, but 15.5% said they gained weight.
Signing up for gym membership also scored poorly, with 27% shedding weight, compared with 32.4% who put weight on.
“Our survey results indicate that, while the majority of adults with obesity are actively trying to reduce their weight, using a variety of strategies, most are unsuccessful,” said Dr. Evans.
Further studies were needed to assess whether people who lose weight succeed in maintaining their weight loss, the authors said.
The conference posters have yet to be published in a journal but were peer reviewed by the ECO selection committee.
The studies were sponsored by Novo Nordisk, a researcher into and manufacturer of diabetes and obesity medications, and employer of several of the coauthors.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape UK/Univadis.