Review on Predictors of Weight Loss in Obesity Treatment

Received: Revised: Accepted: August 17, 2018 November 17, 2018 November 18, 2018 Objectives: People often fail to reduce or maintain their weight despite trying to lose weight. The purpose of this study was to review previously published study results of the predictive factors associated with weight loss in obesity treatment. Methods: Authors searched for the articles related to weight loss, published from 2007 to 2017 found on PubMed, Scopus, Research Information Sharing Service (RISS), and Koreanstudies Information Service System (KISS). A total of 43 articles were finally selected. From the study results, unchangeable and changeable predictors were extracted, and these predictors were examined according to detailed categories. Results: Predictors of weight loss in obesity treatment included genetic and physiological factors, demographic factors, history of treatment on obesity related factors, behavioral factors, psychological factors and treatment process related factors. The main factors of weight loss were unchangeable predictors such as high initial degree of obesity and younger age, and changeable predictors such as dietary restraint, regular exercise, self-efficacy, initial weight loss and attendance. Especially dietary restraint, regular exercise, successful initial weight loss and high attendance were considered to be dominant factors for weight loss treatments. Conclusions: Our review results suggest that unchangeable and changeable predictors of weight loss should be carefully examined during treatments of obesity.