Table 2.

Key Components of a Comprehensive Lifestyle Modification Program to Achieve and Maintain a 7% to 10% Weight Loss at 1 Year or More

Components	Weight Loss	Weight Loss Maintenance
Frequency and duration of treatment contact	Weekly contact, in person or by telephone, for 20–26 wk. (Internet/e-mail contact yields smaller weight loss.)	Every-other-week contact for 52 wk (or longer). (Monthly contact may be adequate.)
	Group or individual contact.	Group or individual contact.
Dietary prescription	Low-calorie diet (1200–1500 kcal for individuals <250 lb, 1500–1800 kcal for those ≥250 lb).	Consumption of a hypocaloric diet to maintain reduced body weight.
	Typical macronutrient composition: ≤30% fat (≤7% saturated fat); 15%–25% protein; remainder from carbohydrate. (Diet composition may vary based on individual needs or preferences.)	Typical macronutrient composition: similar to that for weight loss.
Physical activity prescription	180 min/wk of moderately vigorous aerobic activity (eg, brisk walking); strength training also desirable.	200 to 300 min/wk of moderately vigorous aerobic activity (eg, brisk walking); strength training also desirable.
Behavior therapy prescription	Daily monitoring of food intake and physical activity by use of paper or electronic diaries.	Occasional to daily monitoring of food intake and physical activity by use of similar diaries.
	Weekly monitoring of weight.	Twice weekly to daily monitoring of weight.
	Structured curriculum of behavior change (eg, Diabetes Prevention Program).	Curriculum of behavior change, including relapse prevention and individualized problem solving.
	Regular feedback from an interventionist.	Periodic feedback from an interventionist.