Psychosocial factors related to weight loss among low income midlife women

Abstract

Few evidence‐based weight loss programs have targeted at‐risk low income and minority women, and it is not known how psychosocial variables influence weight loss. The objective of this study is to determine which changes in psychosocial variables were associated with weight loss. Psychosocial variables included quality of life (Short Form‐8 Health Survey), depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), social support (the Social Support from Family & Friends for PA and Social Support for Eating Habits surveys), and family functioning (Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve measure). Data were obtained from a 16‐week evidence‐based behavioral weight loss intervention tested in a randomized controlled trial among low income, African American and Caucasian women 40–64 years of age (n = 189 total; n=126, study intervention). Results indicated a significant association between change in depression and change in weight, but no significant associations between change in self‐rated health or change in weight‐related quality of life and change in weight. Improvements in depression scores were related to better weight loss, and this was independent of group assignment. After adjusting for race and education level, the change in depression score was positively associated with weight loss (p = 0.03). In addition, 26% of the effect of depression change on weight loss was mediated by attendance. Findings from this study can help inform future weight loss interventions for at‐risk women.