[dsp1234]

Per that study, "This analysis of 5-y weight-loss maintenance indicates, on average, that obese individuals maintained weight losses of 3.0 kg, representing a reduced weight of 3.2% below initial body weight. These individuals were successfully maintaining a weightloss averaging 23.4% of their initial weight loss at 5y"

Put another way, after 5 years, the average weight loss was ~3kg, with an average weight gain of 78.6% of the original lost weight.

Also, in general, an obese person who is obese before, and after 5 years has a weight that is ~3kg is likely still obese.

So this study basically just says that an average person isn't successful at keeping a large amount of weight, and gains most of it back. The specific statistics stated by the commenter above may not be correct, but the sentiment is definitely true.

That said, the study does confirm that very low energy diets (~800 meal replacement) beat out hypoenergetic balanced diet (~1200-1500 normal food) in long term weight maintence. Which is what the article is suggesting being implemented. So it's still not a great long term solution, but it's the better of the two non-exercise based solutions which this study evaluated.

[Jill_the_Pill]

One consideration is that obesity has a snowball effect. I think I remember reading once that the average annual weight gain at midlife is 3 pounds. So over a 5-year period, those who made the attempt may have actually been down 15 pounds, plus the 3kg, from where they might have been if they'd continued on their trajectory.