Research paper
Wing RR, Phelan S. Long-term weight loss maintenance. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):222S-225S. doi:10.1093/ajcn/82.1.222S
Why we cite it
Provides a review of National Weight Control Registry data on long-term weight loss maintenance, establishing the behavioral profile of people who succeed. Directly relevant to the project because it counters the fatalistic narrative that weight loss is always temporary — approximately 20% of overweight individuals maintain meaningful weight loss long-term, and their success is associated with specific, learnable behavioral patterns rather than willpower or genetic advantage.