Research paper
Klem ML, Wing RR, McGuire MT, Seagle HM, Hill JO. A descriptive study of individuals successful at long-term maintenance of substantial weight loss. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1997 Aug;66(2):239-46. doi:10.1093/ajcn/66.2.239. PMID: 9250100.
Why we cite it
Foundational paper describing the initial cohort (784 members) of the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR), a large prospective investigation of long-term successful weight loss maintenance (**the record states the registry now tracks 10,000+ individuals; that figure carries no date or source here, and "the largest" was removed 2026-09-02, card 6NM98H**). Establishes that sustained weight loss of ≥13.6 kg for ≥5 years is achievable, identifies shared behavioral patterns among successful maintainers (diet + exercise, high physical activity, low-fat intake), and documents that 42% find maintenance easier than the initial loss — directly relevant to the "effortless eater" concept.