Initial weight loss goals: have they changed and do they matter?

Area of Science:

• Behavioral science
• Obesity research
• Health psychology

Background:

• Participants in behavioral weight loss programs often set goals exceeding typical outcomes.
• The impact of unrealistic weight loss goals on program success remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reassess current weight loss goals in behavioral programs.
• To determine if goal setting influences weight loss and attrition.

Main Methods:

• 308 adults with a BMI of 33.7 ± 4.2 kg/m² participated in a 12-month behavioral weight management program.
• Participants completed questionnaires regarding their weight loss goals.

Main Results:

• The average weight loss goal was 19.8 ± 7.9% of body weight, with 90.4% aiming for ≥10%.
• Weight loss goals were not associated with weight loss at 3 or 12 months, nor with attrition.
• Participants believed weight reduction would positively impact health and psychosocial functioning.

Conclusions:

• While weight loss goals have decreased, they still exceed achievable amounts for most individuals.
• Unrealistic weight loss goals did not negatively impact weight loss or program attrition.
• The findings question the clinical utility of advising individuals with obesity to set more realistic weight loss goals.