Weight Bias and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes in Treatment-Seeking Adults

• Published in: Annals of behavioral medicine 2009-06, Vol.37 (3), p.350-355
• Main Authors: Carels, Robert A., Young, Kathleen M., Wott, Carissa B., Harper, Jessica, Gumble, Amanda, Oehlof, Marissa Wagner, Clayton, Anna Marie
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adult; Behavior Therapy - methods; Diet; Energy Intake; Energy Metabolism; Exercise; Family Medicine; Female; General Practice; Health Psychology; Humans; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Nutrition; Obesity - psychology; Obesity - therapy; Overweight - psychology; Overweight - therapy; Patient Compliance - psychology; Patient Dropouts - psychology; Prejudice; Rapid Communication; Treatment Outcome; Weight control; Weight Loss
• ISSN: 0883-6612; 1532-4796
• DOI: 10.1007/s12160-009-9109-4

Background Few studies have explored the relationship between weight bias and weight loss treatment outcomes. Purpose This investigation examined the relationship between implicit and explicit weight bias and (a) program attrition, (b) weight loss, (c) self-monitoring adherence, (d) daily exercise levels and overall caloric expenditure, (e) daily caloric intake, and (f) daily caloric deficit among overweight/obese treatment-seeking adults. Methods Forty-six overweight/obese adults (body mass index ≥ 27 kg/m 2 ) participating in an 18-week, stepped-care, behavioral weight loss program completed implicit and explicit measures of weight bias. Participants were instructed to self-monitor and electronically report daily energy intake, exercise, and energy expenditure. Results Greater weight bias was associated with inconsistent self-monitoring, greater caloric intake, lower energy expenditure and exercise, creation of a smaller caloric deficit, higher program attrition, as well as less weight loss during the self-help phase of the stepped-care treatment. Conclusions Weight bias may interfere with overweight/obese treatment-seeking adults' ability to achieve optimal health.