What is the National Weight Control Registry?

What is the Nation Weight Control Registry?

The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) is the largest prospective investigation of long-term successful weight loss maintenance and was established in 1994 with the purpose of allowing people to register online if they have lost thirty pounds and maintained their weight loss for one year.  Registered users are given detailed questionnaires and annual follow-up surveys are conducted to examine the behavioral and psychological characteristics of participants, as well as the strategies they use to maintain their weight loss. The NCWR follows, observes, and records the data of over ten-thousand individuals and from this information we can see the consistency of the people who have maintained their weight loss and replicate the same methods in our patients.

National Weight Control Registry Facts

  • 80% of registered participants are women and 20% are men.
  • The average age of women was 45 years of age and the average age of men was 49 years of age.
  • The average weight of women was 145 pounds and the average weight of men was 190 pounds.
  • The average weight loss was 66 pounds with a diverse range between the 30 pound minimum to 300 pounds.
  • Duration of successful weight loss ranges from 1 year to 66 years.
  • 45% of participants lost weight on their own without enrolling in a weight loss program or professional consultation.
  • 98% of Registry participants report that they modified their food intake in some way to lose weight.
  • 94% increased their physical activity, with the most frequently reported form of activity being walking.
  • There is variety in how NWCR members keep the weight off. Most report continuing to maintain a low calorie, low fat diet and doing high levels of activity.
  • 78% eat breakfast every day.
  • 75% weigh themselves at least once a week.
  • 62% watch less than 10 hours of TV per week.
  • 90% exercise, on average, about 1 hour per day.