Are Canadians Trapped on a Weight-Loss Rollercoaster?

Summer is here! This is the season when many of us resolve to lose a few pounds—or more. What is our chance of success?

A Heart and Stroke Foundation survey of almost 2,000 Canadians found that 62% reported intentionally losing five or more pounds over the past five years, but failed to keep the weight off. And 70% of those who were overweight or obese regained all or even more pounds after their weight-loss efforts.

"Obesity and overweight have become one of the leading public health concerns in Canada," said Dr. Marco Di Buono, Director of Research, Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario. "We know that within the past 30 years, the prevalence of obesity doubled among those ages 40 to 69 and tripled among those 20 to 39. Excess weight and extra body fat around your waist can lead to high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels and type 2 diabetes, increasing your risk of heart disease and stroke."

How are Canadians trying to lose weight?

In an effort to lose weight, a large number of Canadians report using dubious "quick fix" strategies: 39% said they followed a diet that restricted certain foods or food groups, 31% used meal replacement bars or shakes, 23% used weight-loss supplements or herbs, and 21% tried fasting. Only one quarter (24%) sought counselling from a dietitian or doctor.

The biggest challenge appears to surface after achieving weight loss. Six out of 10 people who are obese regain at least some weight, and another three out of 10 regain all of it or even gain more. Moreover, the Heart and Stroke Foundation poll found that the heavier you are, the more difficult it is to keep the weight off.

"We all want immediate gratification when it comes to losing weight, but research has shown that the quick fix is not the way to go if you want to keep it off," says Carol Dombrow, Registered Dietitian. "Fad diets tend to eliminate certain essential and nutritional food groups such as fat or carbohydrates. The bottom line is that fad diets don't work in the long term. People can't keep them up forever and the weight tends to come back. More importantly, there is little research about the long-term health effects of fad diets."

According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to help you make healthy lifestyle changes such as choosing healthy foods and being physically active on a regular basis so that you can achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Slow weight loss is best and most realistic for keeping the weight off long term; one to two pounds (1 Kg) a week is sufficient. A modest loss of as little as 5% of body weight can reduce your high blood pressure and total blood cholesterol.

Reaching a healthy weight...and maintaining it

Visit the Heart and Stroke Foundation website to take advantage of their new Heart & Stroke Healthy Weight Action Plan, a free, personalized, online resource to help Canadians achieve and maintain a healthy weight. This web-based program helps set realistic goals, and encourages lifestyle changes that will last a lifetime.