Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Researchers at the University of Oxford have concluded their study on developing strategies to help people lose weight with a piece in The Conversation. 'Ten strategies to lose weight - backed by new research' published on Tuesday, 28 August. The OxFAB study was co-funded by the School and the Oxford CLAHRC. 

With more than half the UK population overweight, self-management of weight is the only strategy that can prevent avoidable morbidity and mortality that otherwise might occur. Around 13% of men and 24% of women are trying to lose weight at one time but little is known about the triggers for people to try to lose weight, the variety of methods they use, and how successful they are. Researchers wanted to develop interventions to test in future randomised trials to aid self-management of weight loss and to understand how health professionals might best support it.

A group of 5-10,000 weight conscious adults were enrolled and followed via the internet with the aim of better understanding weight loss behaviour. 

What researchers asked

  • How did weight change relate to the frequency/duration/type of specific weight management interventions/efforts?
  • What prompts behaviour change, which specific weight loss behaviours are most frequently changed, which are sustained, what effect do they have?
  • How many weight loss attempts are initiated by professionals? 

Mail Online: Set weight loss goals and banish unhealthy snacks: Oxford University expert goes back to basics with her top 10 flab-fighting tips - backed up by SCIENCE