Factors associated with a permanent weight loss after participation in a weight loss program among women that live without children

Background and aims: The prevalence of overweight and obesity rises despite that many individuals tries to achieve a permanent weight loss. There are several different strategies available to achieve weight loss and weight loss programs are commonly used. The challenge in organized weight loss programs has been the poor long-term weight maintenance. Consequently, the present study was designed to investigate which factors are associated with a permanent weight loss after participation in weight loss program among women that live without children. Methods: Cross-sectional study design with a web-based questionnaire developed from a review of the literature, previously developed questionnaires, existing measuring tools and interviews with seven course leaders from a commercial weight loss program (Grete Roede) was used. Respondents were recruited through three approaches; web-article, newsletter and exclusive invitation by email. These combined approaches generated 1527 complete questionnaires about weight loss and maintenance, behavioral factors and other proximate factors that could be associated with permanent weight loss. The study sample (n = 384) was divided into two groups: permanent weight loss (PWL) (n = 210) or non-permanent weight loss (NPWL) (n = 174), based upon their weight history and the definition of a permanent weight loss. The data were analyzed using Chi square test for independence, as well as independent and paired-samples t-test. Results: Both groups had achieved a significant decrease in BMI, based on the difference between their highest attained weight and their current weight. There were few significant differences between the groups concerning the factors measured by the questionnaire. More individuals in the PWL-group reported participating in weight loss courses earlier and in weight maintenance courses in general. The PWL-group was less likely to be motivated by health-risk factors to partake in courses, and fewer had not used any other weight loss methods in the past three years. Additionally, a flexible approach to their current diet was more common in the PWL-group, as well as being motivated by health aspects to be physically active. Moreover, food and waist measuring frequency was lower in the PWL-group and the general self-efficacy was lower in the PWL-group than their counterparts. Friends and colleagues of participants in the PWL-group were less likely to offer them food they were trying to limit. Conclusion: The type of course participation and not using any other previous weight loss recently appear to be associated with being in the PWL-group. Various contradicting findings with earlier studies indicate that more research is needed to assess which factors are associated with a permanent weight loss among women that live without children.