Psychosocial and behavioral pre-treatment predictors of weight loss outcomes

Abstract

This study tested whether baseline behavioral and psychological variables predict weight and fat loss among overweight, non-obese individuals participating in a six-month calorie restriction trial. Participants (N=48) were randomly assigned to four groups, three of which included a calorie restriction program and one of which served as a healthy diet weight maintenance control. For the purposes of this study, data were analyzed only for participants assigned to the three calorie restriction groups (n=36). Ten psychological and behavioral measures were investigated through principal components factor analysis to examine whether these measures were assessing similar or distinct psychological and behavioral constructs. Based on the obtained six-factor solution, one measure from each domain was selected for inclusion in hierarchical regression analyses, which was used to test the relative importance of psychosocial and behavioral variables in predicting percent weight and fat loss over six months. After controlling for demographic and treatment variables, the behavioral and psychological measures of negative mood states, poor psychosocial functioning, and somatic symptoms were associated with less weight loss (R2=0.68, p<0.001) and fat loss (R2=0.65, p<0.001) over six months. Among overweight individuals, poor psychological adjustment, somatic symptoms, and negative mood states appear to form a psychosocial profile that is predictive of less weight and fat loss in calorie restriction programs.

Clinical Correlates of Weight Loss and Attrition During a 10-Week Dietary Intervention Study: Results from the NUGENOB Project

“…Although numerous determinants of weight loss have been proposed [5,13,21,24,25,26], the issue is not settled yet. The major findings of this study were that easily obtained measures such as body weight change throughout the programme and gender were successfully associated with the final weight loss outcome.…”

“…Numerous variables thought to be associated with attrition during weight loss interventions have been studied. Most of the published studies reported that higher age, less episodes of depression, non-smoking status, higher levels of physical activity or exercise, weight loss expectations and gender were predictors of attrition [19,20,21,22], but still most of the variability is unaccounted for, leaving considerable uncertainty about the true causes. Thus, we aimed to identify the early pre-treatment characteristics as well as weight loss at the first weeks of the study that would be strong independent correlates of final weight loss outcome and attrition.…”

Predictors of attrition and weight loss success: Results from a randomized controlled trial

“…Teixeira et al 2004; Dalle Grave et al, 2004, 2005). Greater stress (Yass-Reed, Barry, & Dacey, 1993), depressive symptoms (Teixeira et al 2004; Clark et al, 1996; Anton et al, 2008), and weight loss expectations (Teixeira et al 2004; Dalle Grave et al, 2004, 2005; Jones, Harris, Waller, & Coggins, 2005) are psychosocial factors that have received some empirical support for their role in predicting attrition. In interviews with noncompleters, Grossi et al (2006) found that most attributed their attrition to “practical problems,” including problems at work or home, or a difficult commute to the treatment center.…”

Caloric Restriction in Humans: Impact on Physiological, Psychological, and Behavioral Outcomes

“…The remainder of this review will concentrate on the results from the phase 1 study conducted at the Pennington Center. For 6 months, 48 men and women were randomized to one of four treatment groups (4,12,43,48,50,51,71,108). For the CR group, individuals were restricted to 75% (a 25% CR) of their weight maintenance energy requirements.…”