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Family functioning and the implications for adult weight management
Katherine E McManus-Shipp1, Talea Cornelius2, Alexis C Wojtanowski3
1Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut.
Families, Systems & Health : the Journal of Collaborative Family Healthcare
|September 16, 2024
Summary
Family support and bonding in adults are linked to greater weight loss. Targeting family dynamics may improve outcomes in adult weight management programs.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Obesity Research
- Family Studies
Background:
- Family-based interventions are effective for child weight management but less documented in adults.
- Adults' weight management behaviors can be influenced by their family systems.
- Research is needed to identify family-level variables for adult weight loss interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the relationship between family functioning (support, bonding, chaos) and weight loss in adults.
- To determine if family dynamics are potential targets for adult weight management programs.
Main Methods:
- Adults (N=118) with overweight/obesity participated in a 6-month behavioral weight-loss trial.
- Participants were randomized to either WW (formerly Weight Watchers) or a self-guided approach.
- Family functioning (support, bonding, chaos) and weight loss were assessed.
Main Results:
- Higher family support and bonding correlated with greater percent weight loss at 6 months.
- Baseline family support and bonding were associated with reduced home chaos at 6 months.
- This association between family support/bonding and reduced chaos was significant in the WW group but not the self-guided group.
Conclusions:
- Family dynamics, specifically support and bonding, show theoretical promise for improving adult weight loss outcomes.
- Future research should investigate interventions focused on family support, bonding, and chaos for adult weight management.
- Targeting family cohesion and adaptability may also enhance weight loss results in adult populations.
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