A comparison of measured and self-reported weights in a 4-year follow-up of spouse involvement in obesity treatment

Abstract

Reports of weight losses sustained beyond 2 years are rare and investigators often have relied upon self-reported weights. In the present investigation, a 4-year follow-up contact was attempted with all 34 subjects who had previously completed a 10-week behavioral weight control program. Both self-reported and measured weights were obtained when possible. Although these two measures were significantly correlated, discrepancies were often substantial, especially given the usual effect size in obesity treatment research. Analyses indicated a significant effect for the method of obtaining weight and a nonsignificant effect for the treatment condition (attending sessions with or without spouse and contingency contracting with or without spouse). Since the 2-year results had supported the effects of spouse involvement, the current results suggest that these positive effects eventually attenuate with time.