Weight change in the first 2 months of a lifestyle intervention predicts weight changes 8 years later

Obesity (Silver Spring). 2015 Jul;23(7):1353-6. doi: 10.1002/oby.21112.

Abstract

Objective: Examine the relationship between 1- and 2-month weight loss (WL) and 8-year WL among participants enrolled in a lifestyle intervention.

Methods: 2,290 Look AHEAD participants (BMI: 35.65 ± 5.93 kg/m(2) ) with type 2 diabetes received an intensive behavioral WL intervention.

Results: 1- and 2-month WL were associated with yearly WL through Year 8 (P's < 0.0001). At Month 1, participants losing 2-4% and >4% had 1.62 (95% CI: 1.32, 1.98) and 2.79 (95% CI: 2.21, 3.52) times higher odds of achieving ≥5% WL at Year 4 and 1.28 (95% CI: 1.05,1.58) and 1.77 (95% CI: 1.40, 2.24) times higher odds of achieving ≥5% WL at Year 8, compared to those losing <2% initially. At Month 2, 3-6% WL resulted in greater odds of achieving ≥5% WL at Year 4 (OR = 1.85; CI: 1.48, 2.32), and >6% WL resulted in the greatest odds of achieving ≥5% WL at Year 4 (OR = 3.85; CI: 3.05, 4.88) and Year 8 (OR = 2.28; CI: 1.81, 2.89), compared to those losing <3%. Differences in adherence between WL categories were observed as early as Month 2.

Conclusions: 1- and 2-month WL was associated with 8-year WL. Future studies should examine whether alternative treatment strategies can be employed to improve treatment outcomes among those with low initial WL.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Behavior Therapy*
  • Body Weight
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications*
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Life Style*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Weight Loss*

Grants and funding