Initial engagement and attrition in a national weight management program: demographic and health predictors

Inconsistent attendance and participant withdrawal limit the effectiveness of weight control programs, but little is known about predictors of initial and ongoing engagement. The purpose of this study was to identify these predictors with respect to the Veterans Affairs MOVE!® program, using medical record data. Logistic regression models were used to predict initial and ongoing engagement (n = 39,862 and 1985, respectively). Those who initially engaged in MOVE!® (vs. did not) were more likely to have high BMIs, to be female, live closer to the medical center, and receive health benefits from the VA; they also were less likely to use tobacco (ps < 0.02). Older veterans were more likely to continue to engage (p < 0.001), with trends toward continued engagement for those with (vs. without) benefits and higher BMIs (ps < 0.10). Findings highlight characteristics that may inform program improvements that promote ongoing engagement and prevent dropouts in a weight management programs.