Cluster Analysis of the National Weight Control Registry to Identify Distinct Subgroups Maintaining Successful Weight Loss

Abstract

The National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) is the largest ongoing study of individuals successful at maintaining weight loss; the registry enrolls individuals maintaining a weight loss of at least 13.6 kg (30 lb) for a minimum of 1 year. The current report uses multivariate latent class cluster analysis to identify unique clusters of individuals within the NWCR that have distinct experiences, strategies, and attitudes with respect to weight loss and weight loss maintenance. The cluster analysis considers weight and health history, weight control behaviors and strategies, effort and satisfaction with maintaining weight, and psychological and demographic characteristics. The analysis includes 2,228 participants enrolled between 1998 and 2002. Cluster 1 (50.5%) represents a weight-stable, healthy, exercise conscious group who are very satisfied with their current weight. Cluster 2 (26.9%) has continuously struggled with weight since childhood; they rely on the greatest number of resources and strategies to lose and maintain weight, and report higher levels of stress and depression. Cluster 3 (12.7%) represents a group successful at weight reduction on the first attempt; they were least likely to be overweight as children, are maintaining the longest duration of weight loss, and report the least difficulty maintaining weight. Cluster 4 (9.9%) represents a group less likely to use exercise to control weight; they tend to be older, eat fewer meals, and report more health problems. Further exploration of the unique characteristics of these clusters could be useful for tailoring future weight loss and weight maintenance programs to the specific characteristics of an individual.

Cluster analysis of behavioural weight management strategies and associations with weight change in young women: a longitudinal analysis

“…This is similar to findings of the NWCR, who 267 found a cluster group that had continuously struggled with weight since childhood (26).…”

Genetic modulation of the serotonergic pathway: influence on weight reduction and weight maintenance

“…It has been shown that depression is a likely contributor to obesity, particularly in women (Scott et al 2006;Anderson et al 2007), and this might explain the observed differences in this study between male and female, although no assessment of depression was made. Nevertheless, this conclusion is supported by the studies which have shown that depression is known to affect both weight loss and maintenance, (Elder et al 2012;Ogden et al 2012), both of which were shown in our study to be critical in limiting weight loss for women carrying the risk alleles. Furthermore, Fuemmeler et al (2009) have previously described a relationship between depressive symptoms and larger weight-categorized women.…”

“…Modulation of the serotonergic pathway has previously been shown to lead to obesity (Yamakawa et al 2005;Ogden et al 2012;Cervilla et al 2006;Lesch et al 1996). SLC6a4 knock-out mice show reduced locomotor activity, which has been suggested to lead to hypoactivity, diminished energy expenditure and the deposition of energy into adipose tissue (Murphy and Lesch 2008).…”

Obesity and Low Back Pain: Is There a Weight of Evidence to Support a Positive Relationship?

“…aerobic+resistance) gives greater benefits for weight loss, fat loss and cardiorespiratory fitness than aerobic or resistance training alone [49]. Regardless of modality, regular exercise is also vitally important for longterm maintenance of weight loss [50]. For these reasons, exercise is a predominant component in lifestyle modifications commonly prescribed by spine clinicians for obese patients suffering from LBP.…”