Motivational readiness to change in lifestyle modification programs

Abstract

Weight management programs still remain a great challenge as drop out rates represent a growing problem. It is essential to try and identify the predictors of success, in order to make a proposal really custom-tailored to the patients. Among the most valuable applications of valid weight loss prediction models is the early identification of individuals with the least estimated probability of success, who should be directed to alternative therapies. Equally important are improvements in the matching between treatments and participants, which are dependent on the measurement of relevant pre-treatment variables. In the treatment of obesity and in many other pathologies and dependencies, the motivation to change has an important role both in the period of the weight loss and in the phase of the maintenance of the result. Therefore, if the patient is considered to be ready to lose weight, weight loss therapy should be initiated, if not, the immediate goal will be to prevent further weight gain and explore barriers to weight reduction. Many papers have been published regarding the measurement of the degree/level of motivation of the patient towards a specific treatment. Unfortunately, most of these questionnaires have been created and then applied to different areas; in particular they have been used before starting specific therapies for addiction. Unfortunately, a validated and easy-to-use questionnaire assessing at the meantime treatment motivation and readiness with adequate predictive capacity for weight loss actually is not available in most languages, so that empiric non-objective methods continue to be used.