Personality and attrition from behavioral weight-loss treatment for obesity

Some personality features, as measured by the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), have recently been found to be related to successful weight outcome after both behavioral and surgical therapies for obesity. However, personality features could possibly influence attendance in obesity treatments as well. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore whether personality variables assessed by the TCI predict attrition from a behavioral weight-loss program for obesity.

The TCI was administered to 92 obese patients [body mass index (BMI) >30 kg/m2] applying for a 6-month behavioral weight-loss program. Logistic stepwise regression analysis was performed to evaluate whether TCI scores predicted 6-month treatment attrition, after controlling for baseline psychiatric comorbidity, current age, gender, age at onset of obesity and initial BMI.

Sixty-two subjects (67.4%) completed the 6-month program, while 30 (32.6%) dropped out. Treatment attrition was predicted only by low reward dependence (P=.03) and the presence of mental disorders (P=.004).

Personality features denoting difficulty relying on others' support (low reward dependence) are associated with treatment noncompletion in obese patients attending a behavioral weight-loss program. These data may possibly serve to inform clinicians how to proceed in order to reduce dropout risk.