An analysis of weight loss efforts and expectations in a Canadian Cohort: A retrospective medical chart review

Abstract

The weight loss history and weight loss goals were examined in 4108 patients referred to a publicly funded evidence-based clinical weight management program using a retrospective chart review. The majority of patients were white females, aged of 50.1 ± 13.7 years and a BMI of 39.0 ± 7.5 kg/m 2 . Pregnancy was the most common reason for weight gain in women (17.7%) and while the reasons in men are more varied (injury, stress and medication: all~5%). Over 50% of patients cited no specific reason for their weight gain. Self-directed diet and exercise were the most commonly used self-reported weight loss methods. Women were more likely to report using medication and bariatric surgical weight loss methods than men (P < .05), and only 5% of women and 12.8% men report never having tried to lose weight in the past.Patients had an ideal weight loss goal of 28.9% to 34.4%, which was similar to the patient's lowest reported adult weight. Approximately 70% of patients enrolling at the clinic had previously lost at least 4.5 kg (10 lb) one or more times and 16.7% lost weight at least 5 times in their life, but patient weight at enrolment was similar to their highest adult reported weight. Thus, most patients referred to this clinical weight management program have previously attempted self-directed diet and exercise weight loss. Patients were close to their highest adult weight and had very large weight loss goals, similar to what is typically achieved only by surgical intervention, despite having already had several bouts of weight loss.

Association between weight‐loss history and weight loss achieved in clinical obesity management: Retrospective chart review

“…In the weight-cycling literature, it is suggested that repeated bouts of weight loss and weight gain may impair future weightmanagement efforts, owing to physiological increases in metabolic efficiency or body compositional changes that decrease energy expenditure [4] or owing to psychological issues associated with eating behaviors [30]. This is highly relevant as most individuals with obesity have engaged in diet and physical activity weight-loss interventions multiple times in the past [31,32], with most regaining that weight [3]. However, our results suggest that the opposite may be the case as patients with a history of more frequent weight-loss bouts lost more weight while at the clinic.…”