Fit and Motivated: Outcome Predictors in Patients Starting a Program for Lifestyle Change

Abstract

Background: In previous pilot studies we have demonstrated that the Treatment Motivation and Readiness Test (TRE-MORE) is capable of predicting the outcome of obesity therapy and that a higher muscle mass (MM) is associated with a greater weight loss. Purposes of the present study were: to confirm the predictive value of TRE-MORE scores and MM, using a standardized non-pharmacologic intervention for weight loss; to explore the relationship between TRE-MORE and MM; to discriminate predictors of attendance from predictors of final therapeutic success. Methods: A consecutive series of 331 patients was enrolled and addressed to a standardized treatment protocol. Results: Mean weight loss at 6 months was -5.03%. Among participants, 48.7% lost at least 5% initial body weight after 6 months and had significantly higher TRE-MORE total scores and MM. Weight loss was significantly associated with baseline MM, TRE-MORE-3, and a lower number of previous diets. Significantly lower TRE-MORE-3 scores were associated with drop-out. Conclusion: The present study confirms that therapeutic success is predicted by TRE-MORE scores and, independently from these, by estimated MM (after adjustment for BMI). TRE-MORE total score is a predictor of failure, but not of attendance, whereas drop-out patients showed a lower score only in TREMORE-3 subscale which investigates lifestyle habits.

All roads bring to Rome: a different way for predicting success in the therapy of obesity through psychological features

“…In our study, this parameter, assessed through the TREMORE test [29], showed a lower predictive power than previously reported [11,29]. However, some methodological differences of these studies, compared to the present, should be highlighted: the population enrolled was more selected (i.e.…”

“…Those include male gender and younger age [9], and greater muscle mass [10,11]; conversely, patients with medical comorbidities, a history of repeated attempts at losing weight and with weight cycling, as well as those treated with drugs which induce weight gain, have a lower probability to succeed [6,7,12]. In contrast with the above mentioned results, Jackson et al [13] in a recent study found that being female, heavier and older predicted weight loss in the Health and Retirement Study (performed in the United States), whereas the same predictors did not reach statistical significance in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing.…”

Assessment of psychological predictors of weight loss: How and what for?

“…As already said, self-motivation has been considered as a predictor of success with consistent evidence [22] and the findings of Teixeira et al [22] are in agreement with earlier findings [27] and with more recent studies which reported an association of self-motivation with weight loss and weight loss maintenance (e.g., Cresci et al [32] ). Furthermore, motivational interviewing used to increase motivation for change and to improve treatment outcomes, appears to enhance weight loss in overweight and obese patients [33,34] .…”

Fat Type Level: A Simpler Way for Men to Understand Body Shape and Health Risks

“…The PCP has the unique advantage of seeing patients for various health concerns, creating many opportunities to address their weight issues [11]. Evidence shows that if health providers diagnose, recommend, and counsel clients about weight loss, patients will be more likely to follow a weight loss program [10,54,55]. Despite its well-established benefits, only 20-40% of primary care providers offer weight loss counseling to obese patients because of time constraints, inadequate knowledge, ill-prepared counseling skills, and difficulty explaining technical language [52].…”

“…Since 1980, the rates of diabesity in the US have more than doubled; men of normal weight and without diabetes are now in the minority [1]. There is a lack of knowledge in the literature about what evidence-based approaches will help motivate overweight males to start and continue on a weight loss regimen [10]. Though the literature indicates that there are effective weight loss methods, there is often a lack of adequate attention and preparation from the primary care setting [11].…”