Genetic causal attributions for weight status and weight loss during a behavioral weight gain prevention intervention

Emerging evidence suggests that attributing one's weight to genetics may contribute to the adoption of obesogenic behaviors. We investigated whether weight-related genetic attributions were associated with weight change during a weight gain prevention intervention.

Participants (n = 185) were from a randomized clinical trial of a digital health weight gain prevention intervention for black women ages 25-44 years with body mass index 25.0-34.9 kg/m(2). Weight-related genetic attributions (weight status attribution and weight loss attributions) were measured at baseline and 12 months.

Among intervention participants, high genetic attribution for weight loss was associated with greater weight loss at 12 months (-2.7 vs. 0.5 kg) and 18 months (-3.0 vs. 0.9 kg). Among usual-care participants, high genetic attribution for weight status was associated with greater 18-month weight gain (2.9 vs. 0.3 kg). The intervention reduced the likelihood of high genetic attribution for weight loss at 12 months (P = 0.05). Change in the likelihood of genetic attribution was not associated with weight change over 12 months.

Impact of genetic attributions on weight differs for those enrolled and not enrolled in an intervention. However, weight gain prevention intervention may reduce genetic attribution for weight loss.Genet Med 18 5, 476-482.