Family functioning and the implications for adult weight management

Strong support for family-based interventions in child and adolescent weight management exists. However, family-based interventions have not been as well documented in adult populations. Given that many adults operate within family systems that could influence their weight management behaviors, research is needed to establish possible family-level variables as intervention targets for adult weight loss programs.

This study tested the relationship between family functioning (defined as support and bonding), chaos (defined as disorder in the home), and weight loss in adults with overweight or obesity participating in a behavioral weight-loss program. Participants (N = 118; baseline mean body mass index 33.8 ± 3.7; 69.5% female; 97.5% White; 67.8% with a combined annual income of $75k or above; 90.7% completed some college or above) were from a randomized controlled trial examining weight loss ripple effects (Gorin et al., 2018) in individuals assigned to either 6 months of WW (formerly Weight Watchers) or a self-guided approach.

Higher family support and bonding at baseline were associated with greater percent weight loss at 6 months. Family support and bonding at baseline were associated with lower chaos in the home at 6 months. However, this was moderated by condition such that this association was significant in the WW but not the self-guided group.

Results provide theoretical support that targeting family dynamics may improve weight loss outcomes in behavioral weight loss programs for adults. Future research should test whether family support, bonding, chaos, or other related variables such as family cohesion and adaptability-focused interventions improve weight loss outcomes for adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved).