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Variability in Weight Change Early in Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment: Theoretical and Clinical Implications
Author(s) -
Feig Emily H.,
Lowe Michael R.
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
obesity
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.438
H-Index - 199
eISSN - 1930-739X
pISSN - 1930-7381
DOI - 10.1002/oby.21925
Subject(s) - weight loss , weight change , medicine , body weight , weight control , obesity , demography , sociology
Objective Response early in weight loss treatment predicts long‐term weight change. Weight variability, independent of absolute early weight change, may also relate to long‐term outcomes. This study examined whether weight variability early in treatment predicted later weight loss and maintenance. Methods Participants were 183 completers of a yearlong behavioral weight loss program (mean age = 51, 81% female, 69% white, mean BMI = 35 kg/m 2 ). Weight variability was calculated using weights from the first 6 and 12 weekly treatment sessions. Multiple linear regressions examined whether weight variability predicted subsequent weight change 6, 12, and 24 months later. Results Weight variability over 6‐ and 12‐week periods predicted less subsequent weight loss at 12 months (6‐week: β = 0.18, P = 0.02; 12‐week: β = 0.33, P < 0.01) and 24 months (6‐week: β = 0.17, P = 0.03; 12‐week: β = 0.15, P = 0.05). Relationships held when adjusting for covariates. Weight variability was more strongly associated with 6‐month weight change in men than women (β = 0.27, P = 0.01). Conclusions Elevated weight variability early in a weight loss program predicted poor long‐term outcomes, possibly reflecting inconsistent weight control behaviors. Tracking weight variability could prove useful for improving treatment outcomes.