A Simple Liking Survey Captures Behaviors Associated with Weight Loss in a Worksite Program among Women at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes

Abstract

In a secondary analysis, we assessed the ability of dietary and physical activity surveys to explain variability in weight loss within a worksite-adapted Diabetes Prevention Program. The program involved 58 overweight/obese female employees (average age = 46 ± 11 years SD; average body mass index = 34.7 ± 7.0 kg/m2 SD) of four long-term care facilities who survey-reported liking and frequency of dietary and physical activity behaviors. Data were analyzed using a latent variable approach, analysis of covariance, and nested regression analysis to predict percent weight change from baseline to intervention end at week 16 (average loss = 3.0%; range—6% gain to 17% loss), and follow-up at week 28 (average loss = 2.0%; range—8% gain to 16% loss). Using baseline responses, restrained eaters (reporting liking but low intakes of high fat/sweets) achieved greater weight loss at 28 weeks than those reporting high liking/high intake (average loss = 3.5 ± 0.9% versus 1.0 ± 0.8% S.E., respectively). Examining the dietary surveys separately, only improvements in liking for a healthy diet were associated significantly with weight loss (predicting 44% of total variance, p < 0.001). By contrasting liking versus intake changes, women reporting concurrent healthier diet liking and healthier intake lost the most weight (average loss = 5.4 ± 1.1% S.E.); those reporting eating healthier but not healthier diet liking (possible misreporting) gained weight (average gain = 0.3 ± 1.4% S.E.). Change in liking and frequency of physical activity were highly correlated but neither predicted weight loss independently. These pilot data support surveying dietary likes/dislikes as a useful measure to capture dietary behaviors associated with weight loss in worksite-based programs. Comparing dietary likes and intake may identify behaviors consistent (appropriate dietary restraint) or inconsistent (misreporting) with weight loss success.

Feasibility of a Theory-Based, Online Tailored Message Program to Motivate Healthier Behaviors in College Women

“…The survey relied on self-reported data, which always presents risk of bias. Nonetheless, utilizing liking as a proxy of behavior has been demonstrated to limit bias in response [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ]. Another limitation was the degree of randomization for the message delivery.…”

“…Assessment of individual food preferences and physical activity though surveying likes/dislikes is a feasible way to measure behavior in young adults/college students as it is cognitively simple, less biased by misreporting [ 43 , 44 , 45 , 46 ], and has a low time burden [ 47 ]. Messages can be tailored to participant reported preferences to help encourage or motivate behavior change.…”

“…Messages can be tailored to participant reported preferences to help encourage or motivate behavior change. Acknowledging preference and incorporating tailoring into physical activity and nutrition interventions has helped to encourage physical activity engagement [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ], increase preference of healthy foods [ 44 , 52 , 53 , 54 , 55 ], and decrease preference for less healthy foods [ 56 , 57 ]. Acceptability and usability of liking surveys with evidenced based tailored messages has been demonstrated in promoting behavior change in children and adolescents [ 31 , 32 ].…”

A Feasibility and Pilot Study of a Personalized Nutrition Intervention in Mobile Food Pantry Users in Northeastern Connecticut

“…Many past nutrition interventions have not observed large, sustainable changes in diet quality, most likely due to the variety of factors impacting diet quality in this low-income, underserved population [ 12 ]. Modest improvements in fruit and vegetable intake have been achieved following an education-based intervention, however [ 25 , 26 , 27 ]. The trends of the current data suggest a slight improvement in diet quality, which may be better observed with a larger sample size.…”

Can Assessing Physical Activity Liking Identify Opportunities to Promote Physical Activity Engagement and Healthy Dietary Behaviors?

“…Our second aim extends the examination physical activity liking by comparing liking and reported frequency of engaging in physical activity. Previously, we demonstrated the greater ability to explain differences in dietary restraint and health outcomes in women who report that food and beverage liking and consumption are in agreement (e.g., high liking and high-frequency consumption) versus disagreement (e.g., high liking, low-frequency consumption) [38,46]. In regards to physical activity, we hypothesized that women who reported agreement between high liking and frequency of physical activities also would report the healthiest dietary behaviors and perceive the lowest or healthiest body size.…”