Biologic Responses to Weight Loss and Weight Regain: Report From an American Diabetes Association Research Symposium.

On 26–28 April 2013, the American Diabetes Association convened an international group of experts in Washington, DC, for a research symposium titled “Biologic Responses to Weight Loss and Weight Regain.” The speakers addressed the following topics: 1) developmental processes and the prevention of weight gain, 2) behavioral management approaches to weight loss, 3) distinctions between the physiological mechanisms of weight loss and weight maintenance and the implications for treatment, 4) the role of exercise in weight loss and maintenance, 5) the physiological mechanisms and effectiveness of bariatric surgery, and 6) pharmacological approaches to weight loss and maintenance. Both scientific and clinical perspectives were provided. The meeting concluded with an open session in which all the participants discussed emerging areas of investigation as well as unmet research needs. This discussion resulted in a series of recommendations for future research directions (Table 1). This Perspective article consists of summaries of the symposium sessions, by topic.