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Predictors of attrition in a large clinic-based weight-loss program
Jeffery J Honas1, James L Early, Doren D Frederickson
1University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita and. Via Christi Regional Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas 67214, USA.
Obesity Research
|July 12, 2003
Summary
Identifying individuals at risk for dropping out of weight-loss programs is key to improving success rates. Younger age and being divorced or African American are significant predictors of dropout.
Area of Science:
- Obesity research
- Behavioral science
Background:
- Weight-loss program effectiveness is often limited by patient attrition.
- Identifying predictors of dropout is crucial for program development and retention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify demographic predictors of dropout in a large, clinic-based weight-loss program.
- To utilize readily attainable demographic variables for dropout prediction.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 866 patients in a 16-week weight-loss program was followed.
- Demographic variables (sex, race, marital status, age, BMI, treatment protocol) were analyzed for association with dropout using bivariate and multivariable statistics.
Main Results:
- The overall 16-week attrition rate was 31%.
- Significant bivariate predictors of dropout included female sex, divorced status, African American race, and younger age (<50 years).
- Multivariable analysis identified younger age (<50 years) as the sole significant predictor of dropout (OR=1.39).
Conclusions:
- Multivariable modeling effectively prioritized risk factors for weight-loss program dropout.
- Findings suggest targeted interventions for at-risk populations (younger individuals) can improve program effectiveness and reduce attrition.