Effects of Behavioral Weight Loss and Weight Loss Goal Setting in Cardiac Rehabilitation

Abstract

Purpose-Obesity is prevalent among participants in cardiac rehabilitation (CR). Establishing a weight loss goal is an important strategy for promoting weight loss. We evaluate the association between a pre-program weight loss goal and change in weight during CR.Methods-Body weight was measured at CR entry and at exit from CR. Overweight/obese participants were categorized as having: (1) established a weight loss goal and attended behavioral weight loss sessions (G+ BWL); set a weight loss goal but did not attend BWL (G); and neither set a weight loss goal nor attended BWL (NoG).Results-The cohort consisted of 317 overweight/obese participants; 52 of whom set a weight loss goal and attended BWL, 227 patients set a goal but did not attend BWL, and 38 did neither. The G+ BWL; group lost more weight than the G group (−6.8+4.3 vs −1.1+3.5) (P < .0001). Both groups that established a weight loss goal lost more weight than NoG group.Conclusions-For overweight/obese individuals in CR, participating in BWL classes and setting a weight loss goal leads to more weight loss than G alone. Setting a weight loss goal alone leads to greater weight loss than not setting a weight loss goal.

Targeting Obesity to Optimize Weight Loss in Cardiac Rehabilitation

“…27 In another retrospective study, patients who set a weight loss goal and attended behavioral weight loss sessions lost significantly more weight than those who did not participate in any weight management activities (−6.8% vs +1.6%). 28 Although goal setting alone was better than nothing at all, session attendance was the strongest predictor of weight loss. Similarly, participation in Weight Watchers for 10-14 wk resulted in an average weight loss of 5.6%, with more than half reducing their body weight by ≥5%.…”

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

“…However, unlike lifestyle behaviors such as physical activity, weight loss is not a behavior but a potential outcome from changes in lifestyle behaviors. It is suggested that larger weight‐loss goals may be associated with greater subsequent weight loss with lifestyle intervention [25]. More than 95% of our patient population had weight‐loss goals of greater than the 5% to 10% weight loss, which is commonly recommended for health benefits.…”

The Treatment of Obesity in Cardiac Rehabilitation

“…It has been shown that patients in CR who set a weight loss goal are more likely to accomplish weight loss than patients who do not. 54,55 Thus, a part of the initial case manager evaluation should include setting a realistic weight loss goal in CR. 54,55 PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS Every CR program needs to lay out a practical, workable approach to weight reduction, given its resources, staffing, and patient population.…”

“…54,55 Thus, a part of the initial case manager evaluation should include setting a realistic weight loss goal in CR. 54,55 PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS Every CR program needs to lay out a practical, workable approach to weight reduction, given its resources, staffing, and patient population. Ignoring obesity in cardiac patients is not an option.…”