Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Multidisciplinary Approach to Obesity Management: A Case Report
Published on: May 30, 2025
Problem solving, treatment adherence, and weight-loss outcome among women participating in lifestyle treatment for
Mary E Murawski1, Vanessa A Milsom, Kathryn M Ross
1Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
Objective:
This study examined whether improvements in problem-solving abilities mediate the relation between treatment adherence and weight-loss outcome in the behavioral treatment of obesity.
Method:
272 women (mean+/-SD age=59.4+/-6.2 years, BMI=36.5+/-4.8) participated in a 6-month lifestyle intervention for obesity. Body weight and problem-solving skills (as measured by the Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised) were assessed pre- and posttreatment. The completion of self-monitoring logs during the intervention served as the marker of treatment adherence.
Results:
At posttreatment, participants lost 8.4+/-5.8 kg, an 8.8% reduction in body weight. Changes in weight were associated with increased problem-solving skills and with higher levels of treatment adherence. Improvements in problem-solving skills partially mediated the relation between treatment adherence and weight-loss outcome. Moreover, participants with weight reductions > or = 10% demonstrated significantly greater improvements in problem-solving skills than those with reductions <5%.
Discussion:
Improvements in problem-solving skills may enable participants to overcome barriers to adherence and thereby enhance treatment-induced weight losses.
Related Concept Videos
Role of Communication in the Nursing Process II: Planning and Implementation
Lifestyle Factors and Health
Benefits of Physical Activity
Physical activity, whether through structured exercise or casual activities like walking, biking, or dancing, is a cornerstone of a...
Atherosclerosis III: Management
Binge Eating Disorders
Pharmacokinetics in Obese Patients: Drug Absorption and Distribution
Drug Therapy
Antianxiety Medications
