DRUGS IN WEIGHT MAINTENANCE
The ideal outcome of any weight-loss programme must be long-term weight maintenance. It is well recognized that many patients struggle to maintain weight loss after a period of time. The level of clinical support offered can dramatically alter the long-term outcome and the more frequently contacts with health professionals occur, the more likely the patient is to succeed at weight maintenance after the initial phase of weight loss. A cessation or even a reduction in clinical contacts can leave many patients without the resolve to continue their newly modified dietary and exercise habits.
After the initial weight loss phase of 3-6 months the majority of patients experience a phase of weight maintenance, or even some weight gain. This 'plateau' effect requires as much clinical support as the initial period of weight loss if a reversal is to be prevented. Despite this, many patients will struggle. There has been extensive research into the use of medication in prolonging the phase of weight loss and increasing the likelihood of successful weight maintenance. Studies available to date show significant prolongation of weight maintenance for up to 4 years, when using medication.
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WEIGHT LOSS/BODY-BUILDING
