Correlates of weight loss in treatment and at follow-up

Results showed that a Navy-sponsored weight-reduction program was relatively successful in helping participants lose weight during treatment and throughout a one-year follow-up. Of the 531 women and 155 men who reported a mean weight loss of 22 lb and 28 lb, respectively, 32 per cent of the women and 29 per cent of the men responded that no weight had been gained during treatment and follow-up. Regression analyses identified predictors of weight loss to be a self-reported improvement in health status, a history of few dieting attempts, and adult onset of obesity. Correlates of weight-loss maintenance included a change in eating behavior, a self-reported improvement in health status and feelings toward dieting, adult onset of obesity, and physical exercise participation. Such results pointed up the importance of developing an intervention program that incorporates an exercise regimen and the adoption of a long-term nutritionally-sound eating program.