Weekends Weaken Weight Loss

by Ryan Halvorson

Making News:

Extra vigilance might help your clients avoid weekend slumps in weight loss efforts. According to a study published in Obesity (2008; published online ahead of print July 1), the weekend tends to be a time for excessive food consumption and reduced physical activity. Subjects included 48 adults aged 50–60 who were asked to keep a food and exercise journal for 1 year.

During the study, authors determined that 36% of caloric intake took place on Saturdays and that participants seemed unaware of the weekend calorie hike. Authors also found that participants’ physical activity was significantly reduced on Sundays compared with weekdays.

“It was surprising how consistent the findings were,” stated lead author Susan B. Racette, PhD, in a press release. “We also were surprised by the dramatic way in which weekends continued to slow weight loss throughout the course of the study.”