Psychosocial predictors of weight regain in the weight loss maintenance trial

J Behav Med. 2014 Dec;37(6):1155-68. doi: 10.1007/s10865-014-9565-6. Epub 2014 Apr 11.

Abstract

This study's purpose was to identify psychosocial predictors of weight loss maintenance in a multi-site clinical trial, following a group-based weight loss program. Participants (N = 1025) were predominately women (63%) and 38% were Black (mean age = 55.6 years; SD = 8.7). At 12 months, higher SF-36 mental health composite scores were associated with less weight regain (p < .01). For Black participants, an interaction existed between race and friends' encouragement for exercise, where higher exercise encouragement was related to more weight regain (p < .05). At 30 months, friends' encouragement for healthy eating was associated with more weight regain (p < .05), whereas higher SF-36 mental health composite scores were related to less weight regain (p < .0001). Perceived stress and select health-related quality of life indices were associated with weight regain; this relationship varied across gender, race, and treatment conditions. Temporal changes in these variables should be investigated for their impact on weight maintenance.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Diet, Reducing
  • Exercise
  • Feeding Behavior / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / psychology
  • Quality of Life
  • Social Support
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology
  • Weight Gain*
  • Weight Loss*
  • Weight Reduction Programs*