JAMA: 2008-03-12, Vol. 299, No. 10, Author in the Room™ Audio Interview

Interview with Laura P. Svetky, MD, MHS, author of Comparison of Strategies for Sustaining Weight Loss: The Weight Loss Maintenance Randomized Controlled Trial. Summary Points: 1. Weight loss is feasible and long term weight loss is possible. 2. Ongoing personal contact and technology based interventions were effective but the overall benefits were small. 3. The role of clinicians is to reinforce the message that weight loss can prevent and treat multiple chronic conditions. Even small amounts of weight loss can lead to significant health benefits. 4. Our focus should be on long term healthy life style changes rather than dieting, which is by its very nature short term.