National Weight Control Registry

There is a growing trend toward being overweight or obese. Overweight is defined as having a Body Mass Index (BMI) more than 25, and having a BMI of more than 30 is identified as being obese. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 66% of U.S. adults are overweight, and 32% of U.S. adults are obese, with the incidence of being overweight and obese among children being greater than ever! Given these statistics, it is not surprising that Americans spend more than $33 billion dollars a year on weight loss products and services, while at least one quarter of the population is working on weight loss regimens for themselves.

The National Weight Control Registry:

The purpose of the National Weight Control Registry is to collect valuable information about the behaviors of those who have been able to maintain their weight loss over the long term. The NWCR is a database of more than 4,800 adults who report being successful at maintaining a weight loss of at least 30 pounds for a minimum of one year. Annual surveys are sent out to members to collect information about how they remain successful at preserving their weight loss.