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Changes in Eating Behaviors are Associated with Intentional Weight Loss Following Intervention in Older Women
Author(s) -
Berg Alison C,
Johnson Kristen B,
Straight Chad R,
Acitelli Rachel M,
O'Connor Patrick J,
Evans Ellen M,
Johnson Mary Ann
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.30.1_supplement.407.8
Subject(s) - weight loss , overweight , obesity , intervention (counseling) , psychology , emotional eating , depressive symptoms , disordered eating , medicine , clinical psychology , depression (economics) , eating behavior , eating disorders , cognition , psychiatry , macroeconomics , economics
Purpose Obesity prevalence in older women (≥ 60 y) exceeds 35% and the literature strongly suggests that weight loss improves chronic conditions and physical function in this age group. Studies in younger people indicate that many dieters fail to achieve weight loss goals, and that psychological constructs, particularly eating behaviors and depressive symptoms, may play a role; however, limited research exists evaluating the role of these constructs in weight loss success in older women. Thus, this study aimed to examine relationships among eating behaviors, depressive symptoms, and weight loss in overweight and obese older women. Methods Older women (N = 72; 69.4 ± 3.6 y, BMI 31.2 ± 4.9) completed assessments of eating behaviors (Three Factor Eating Questionnaire), depressive symptoms (Centers for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), and body weight at baseline and following a weight loss intervention that combined restriction of energy intake and exercise training with a goal of loss of 10% of initial body weight. Changes in psychological measures and weight from baseline to post‐intervention were assessed with paired t‐tests and Wilcoxon‐rank sum tests (non‐parametric data) and effect sizes (ES) calculated. A series of linear regression analyses were used to explore the independent contribution of the psychological constructs to weight loss among completers of the intervention (N = 61). Results Weight loss was −9.2 ± 4.8 % of initial weight. Measures of restrained eating behavior increased significantly ( P < 0.0001) from baseline to post‐intervention (ES > 1.2). An increase in flexible restraint accompanied by a decrease in rigid restraint explained a significant proportion of the variance in percent weight loss when controlled for energy intake (% of needs at baseline and changes in intake; overall R 2 = .26, F (4,56) = 4.91, P < 0.01). Depressive symptoms were not related to weight loss, but were more prevalent in individuals who withdrew from the study after baseline testing (P < 0.001). Conclusions Encouraging a flexible approach to eating behavior and discouraging rigid restraint of eating behavior may lead to better weight loss outcomes for overweight and obese older women trying to lose weight. Although not associated with weight loss following intervention, depressive symptoms in older overweight or obese women may be a risk factor for withdrawing from weight loss studies. Support or Funding Information Funded in part by The Beef Checkoff and USDA NIFA GEO 708