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ARS Home » Plains Area » Houston, Texas » Children's Nutrition Research Center » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #297082
Title: Comparison of weight loss by weight classification in a commercial, community-based weight loss program

Author
item JOHNSTON, CRAIG - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item ROST, STEPHANIE - Weight Watchers International, Inc
item MILLER-KOVACH, KAREN - Weight Watchers International, Inc
item MORENO, JENNETTE - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)
item FOREYT, JOHN - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/30/2013
Publication Date: 8/9/2013
Citation: Johnston, C.A., Rost, S., Miller-Kovach, K.K., Moreno, J.P., Foreyt, J.P. 2013. Comparison of weight loss by weight classification in a commercial, community-based weight loss program [abstract]. Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior. 45(4S):S31-S32.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: The objective of our study was to determine the impact of grade of obesity on weight-loss outcomes of a community-based, intensive behavioral counseling program (Weight Watchers Points-Plus). Previous studies have shown that individuals with a higher body mass index (BMI) at the beginning of treatment achieve greater weight loss. Participants were part of a larger randomized controlled trial and were provided with three ways to access a Weight Watchers (WW) program: 1) weekly meetings, 2) WW mobile application, and 3) WW online tools. WW participants lost significantly more weight than those in self-help (F = 34.5, p < .001). Only WW participants (n = 123) were included in the following analyses and classified according to grade of obesity (overweight, n = 33; class I obesity, n = 52; class II obesity, n = 38). Measured heights and weights were obtained at baseline and 6 months for participants in the WW condition. A one-way analysis of variance was conducted to determine differences in weight loss across individuals with differing grades of obesity. All groups showed significant reductions in weight (F = 90.7, p < .001). However, no differences were found for weight loss or percent weight loss based on grade of obesity (F = .026, p = .974; F = .232, p = .793, respectively). Contrary to our hypothesis, this community-based treatment was equally effective for participants across grades of obesity. Participants in each weight category lost approximately 5% of their initial body weight at 6 months.