Successful Weight Loss Among Obese U.S. Adults

Abstract

Background Little is known about weight control strategies associated with successful weight loss among obese U.S. adults in the general population. Purpose To identify strategies associated with losing at least 5% and 10% of body weight. Methods Multivariable analysis of data from obese adult (BMI ≥30) participants in the 2001–2006 NHANES to identify strategies associated with losing ≥5% and ≥10% of body weight (conducted in 2009–2011). Results Of 4034 obese adults, 2523 (63%) reported trying to lose weight in the previous year. Among those attempting weight loss, 1026 (40%) lost ≥5% and 510 (20%) lost ≥10% weight. After adjustment for potential confounders, strategies associated with losing ≥5% weight included eating less fat (OR 1.41, 95% CI=1.14, 1.75), exercising more (OR 1.29 [95% CI=1.05, 1.60]), and using prescription weight loss medications (OR 1.77 [95% CI=1.00, 3.13]). Eating less fat (OR 1.37 [95% CI=1.04, 1.80]), exercising more (OR 1.36 [95% CI=1.12, 1.65]), and using prescription weight loss medications (OR 2.05 [95% CI=1.09, 3.90]) were also associated with losing ≥10% weight, as was joining commercial weight loss programs (OR 1.72 [95% CI=1.00, 2.96]). Adults eating diet products were less likely to achieve 10% weight loss (OR 0.48 [95% CI=0.31, 0.73]). Liquid diets, nonprescription diet pills, and popular diets had no association with successful weight loss. Conclusions A substantial proportion of obese U.S. adults who attempted to lose weight reported weight loss, at least in the short term. Obese adults were more likely to report achieving meaningful weight loss if they ate less fat, exercised more, used prescription weight loss medications, or participated in commercial weight loss programs.

Tentativas de Controlo do Peso na População Adulta Portuguesa: Prevalência, Motivos e Comportamentos

“…Apesar de terem sido adoptadas por uma pequena proporção de homens e mulheres, o que é consistente com outros estudos epidemiológicos, 11,19,29,30 devem ser alvo de atenção por parte das entidades promotoras de saúde pois este tipo de estratégias tem sido associado a comportamentos de sobrealimentação, compulsão alimentar e a insucesso no que respeita ao controlo do peso. [31][32][33] Observaram-se diferenças específicas por sexo no que respeita à adopção de algumas estratégias para controlar o peso. Em contraste com outros estudos 11,20,30 em que a mesma proporção de homens e mulheres reportou praticar atividade física para tentar perder peso, em Portugal a prática de a atividade física é mais prevalente nos homens a tentar gerir o peso.…”

Costs and outcomes of increasing access to bariatric surgery for obesity: cohort study and cost-effectiveness analysis using electronic health records

“…It was not possible to evaluate intentionality of weight loss. Previous studies have reported that the majority of obese individuals would like to lose weight and a large proportion are actively attempting to reduce their weight, 115,116 so a relatively high level of intentionality among obese participants may be assumed. Additionally, monitoring of BMI among obese patients in primary care has been shown to positively predict treatment.…”

Patient factors associated with initiation of behavioral weight loss treatment: a prospective observational study in an integrated care setting

“…The MOVE! program is estimated to be initiated by approximately 10 % of eligible patients, which reflects higher participation in weight loss programs than is reported in the general population [8]. However, it is apparent that the vast majority (about 90 %) of veterans who are eligible are not participating.…”

“…Attrition from weight loss treatments has been the focus of considerable research attention [7], whereas less attention has been given to the first step in utilization: initiating treatment. Many patients with obesity are not seeking weight loss, and many of those who are trying to lose weight are not initiating empirically supported treatments in the first place [8,9]. Of additional concern, certain populations may be less likely to use available treatments.…”