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The effects of program duration on continuance in a behavioral weight loss program.

G Pekarik1

  • 1Department of Psychology, Washburn University of Topeka, KS 66621.

Addictive Behaviors
|January 1, 1987
PubMed
Summary

Shorter weight loss programs (8 weeks) show lower dropout rates than longer programs (12 weeks). Weight loss outcomes remain similar for participants who complete either program duration.

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Area of Science:

  • Obesity research
  • Behavioral medicine

Background:

  • Weight loss programs are a common intervention for obesity.
  • Program duration is a key factor influencing participant engagement and adherence.
  • High dropout rates can limit the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of weight loss interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the impact of varying weight loss program durations on participant retention and weight loss outcomes.
  • To determine if a shorter program duration can mitigate dropout rates without compromising efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • A comparative study design was employed, assigning participants to either an 8-week or 12-week weight loss program.
  • Dropout rates were recorded for each program duration.
  • Weight loss was measured at the end of the treatment and at a six-month follow-up for program completers.

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Main Results:

  • The 8-week program demonstrated a significantly lower dropout rate compared to the 12-week program.
  • Participants completing the 8-week program achieved comparable weight loss to those completing the 12-week program.
  • Weight loss was equivalent between the two groups at both immediate post-treatment and six-month follow-up assessments.

Conclusions:

  • Reducing the duration of weight loss programs may be an effective strategy to improve treatment adherence.
  • Shorter program durations offer a practical approach to potentially decrease dropout rates and associated program costs.
  • Program efficacy, in terms of weight loss, is not negatively impacted by a shorter duration when comparing completers.