Changes in Health-Related Behaviours Among Adults Who Accessed Real-World Weight Management Support: 12-Month...

Area of Science:

• Obesity research
• Behavioral science
• Public health

Background:

• Sustained weight loss requires long-term behavior changes at the household level.
• Community-based programs offer a real-life setting to study these changes.
• The influence on family members' habits is crucial for holistic health improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate weight changes, dietary habits, activity levels, and well-being in a community weight management program.
• To compare program participants with a matched reference group from the general population.
• To explore the program's wider influence on family members' dietary and activity habits.

Main Methods:

• Longitudinal data collection from program members (N=174) at baseline, 3, and 12 months.
• Comparison with a matched cross-sectional reference group.
• Assessment of diet quality (NDQS), physical activity (hours/week), and mental well-being (SF Health Survey items).
• Analysis using ANOVAs with adjusted post-hoc comparisons.

Main Results:

• Members achieved a mean weight loss of -7.5% at 12 months.
• Significant improvements in diet quality (NDQS), physical activity, and mental well-being compared to the reference group.
• Over 60% of members influenced partners and children towards healthier eating, with effects sustained at 12 months.
• Approximately 40% encouraged household members towards increased physical activity, consistently maintained.

Conclusions:

• Slimming World's program effectively supports health-related behavior changes in adults with obesity.
• Participants experienced clinically significant weight loss and improvements in diet, activity, and mental well-being.
• The program demonstrates sustained positive effects on participants and influences family lifestyle habits.