The Claim
In women who have achieved a normal BMI after weight loss, a longer duration to reach the weight-loss goal is associated with a higher likelihood of subsequent weight regain.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Women who take longer to lose weight and reach a normal BMI are more likely to regain the weight later.
See the scientific wording
In women who have lost weight and achieved a normal BMI, the time taken to reach their weight-loss goal is positively associated with subsequent weight regain, suggesting that greater difficulty in losing weight may predict poorer long-term maintenance.
When weight loss takes a long time, the body lowers its energy use and increases hunger signals, making it easier to regain weight once eating returns to normal levels.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Perception of exercise difficulty predicts weight regain in formerly overweight women
Women who felt their workouts were harder after losing weight were more likely to gain it back within a year — suggesting that if losing weight felt really tough, keeping it off is also likely to be tough.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.