Relationship Between Desired Weight Loss and Actual Weight Loss in Overweight Women

Abstract

0526 PURPOSE: To examine whether desired amount of weight loss is related to actual weight loss, dietary changes, and physical activity during weight loss treatment in overweight women. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 144 subjects (body mass index = 32.5 ± 4.1 kg/m2; age = 37.7 ± 5.5 yrs) who completed a twelvemonth behavioral weight loss intervention, which included the combination of diet modification and varying exercise doses. Prior to initiating treatment, participants reported their desired weight loss goal. Body weight, energy intake (Block Food Frequency questionnaire) and physical activity (7-day Physical Activity Recall) were assessed at 0, 6, and 12 months of treatment. RESULTS: Desired weight loss was 27.3 ± 9.2% of baseline weight (24.4 ± 10.4 kg). Actual weight loss was 10.3 ± 5.2% (8.9 ± 4.6 kg) and 10.3 ± 7.6% (8.9 ± 6.6) at 6 and 12 months, respectively. Compared to baseline, energy intake decreased 722.1 ± 774.7 kcal/d following 6 months and 709.5 ± 746.4 kcal following 12 months of treatment. Moderate intensity physical activity was 301 ± 211.5 min/wk and 187.3 ± 166.9 min/wk following 6 and 12 months of treatment, respectively. Desired weight loss was significantly correlated with baseline weight (r = 0.75, p<0.01) and body mass index (r = 0.82, p<0.01). After controlling for baseline weight, desired weight loss was not significantly correlated with weight loss, change in energy intake, or min/wk of moderate intensity physical activity at 6 or 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: The desired weight loss goal exceeded actual weight loss achieved at both 6 and 12 months of treatment in a behavioral weight loss program. However, the magnitude of the desired weight loss neither negatively nor positively influenced 6- or 12-month weight loss outcomes. Moreover, having a greater desired weight loss did not appear to translate into greater reductions in energy intake or physical activity during weight loss treatment. Thus, additional research is necessary to better understand factors that may impact long-term weight loss in overweight women. Supported by the National Institutes of Health (HL64991)