Predictors of very-low-energy diet outcome in obese women and men

The aim of this study was to explore baseline outcome predictors of a 12-week very-low-energy diet (VLED) treatment.

Obese patients (177 women and 90 men) started treatment. Multivariate linear and logistic regressions were used to predict weight loss (%), successful outcome (>or= 10% weight loss) and attrition. Potential predictors were anthropometry, socioeconomic variables, established questionnaires on health-related quality of life, and eating behavior, and additional questions related to dieting.

Mean weight loss was 13.5% (standard deviation (SD) 5.6) in women and 15.1% (6.1) in men (p = 0.054). Greater weight loss in women was predicted by having more children, lower education, and better perceived physical health (R-square (R(2)) = 12.7%), and in men by better ambulation capacity, living with a partner/children, and snacking on ice-cream more often (R(2) = 39.4%). Successful outcome in women was predicted by less obesity-related psychosocial dysfunction, and in men by better functioning in social interaction and ambulation capacity. Attrition was predicted by lower age and larger hip circumference in women, and in men by lower perceived general health. Two-week weight loss was independently associated with all outcomes except attrition in women.

Factors related to perceived physical health, social interaction, socio-economic factors, and obesity-related psychosocial problems predicted VLED outcome. The predictors differed by gender.