Duke Study Aims To Help People Keep Lost Weight From Returning

Most people do not think much about gaining an extra pound or two. It was not a big concern for Maurice Darden.

"Every year it seemed like I gained five pounds and I'd take off two," hesaid.

Those three extra pounds a year eventually caught up with him. That is whenDarden took part in a weight loss study at Duke and dropped 21 pounds.

"I feel a heck of a lot better now," he said with a laugh.

Then came the tough part -- keeping it off.

"Ninety-five percent of people who successfully lose weight regain it withina year," Duke researcher Dr. Laura Svetkey said.

Svetsky is leading a national study to find effective and realistic ways tohelp people who lose weight keep it off.

Svetkey focuses on groups most at risk for weight-related illnesses,particularly African-American men.

"The health risks are enormous in African-American men and we know thatweight loss reduces that risk," Svetsky said.

Darden beat the odds. He is among the five percent keeping the weight off.What is his secret? Darden said his wife and family keep him motivated.

"My sister sends me fresh things from her garden in Virginia," he said.

He also keeps his refrigerator stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables. Junkand fried foods are not allowed.

"That makes the difference. I changed my lifestyle -- not just my eatinghabits," he said.

Duke is enrolling people in the study. Participants will first be put on a weight loss plan to lose weight. Those who are successful will try different ways to help keep it off. For more information on the study, call (919) 419-5904.