Are you curious to know how people lose weight and keep it off? The National Weight Control Registry has compiled information from more than 5,000 people who have lost 30 pounds or more and have kept it off for at least a year. The group, composed of 80% women and 20% men, shared some of their habits, which I think we can all learn from.



* 45% of registry participants lost the weight on their own and the other 55% lost weight with the help of some type of program

* 98% of registry participants report that they modified their food intake in some way to lose weight

* 94% increased their physical activity, with the most frequently reported form of activity being walking

* 78% eat breakfast every day

* 75% weigh themselves at least once a week

* 62% watch less than 10 hours of TV per week

* 90% exercise, on average, about 1 hour per day

Incidentally, if you're having communication issues or money problems in your marriage, turning off the TV a few nights a week and just talking, can really strengthen your relationship.