Weight Fluctuation Predicts Success of Weight Loss Interventions

Weight fluctuation during the initial phase of weight loss interventions was associated with less weight lost post-intervention, according to a recent study.

The study included 183 participants who completed a yearlong behavioral weight loss program, 81% of whom were female. Weight taken from the first 6 and 12 weekly treatment sessions were used to calculate weight variability, and linear regression was used to predict subsequent weight changes at 6, 12, and 24 months after the intervention.
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______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Weight variability was found to predict the success of weight loss, with participants who experienced more weight fluctuations within the 6-week and 12-week treatment periods losing less subsequent weight at 12 months and 24 months. These results persisted after researchers adjusted for covariates, and were more strongly associated with 6-month weight changes in men than women. 

“Elevated weight variability early in a weight loss program predicted poor long-term outcomes, possibly reflecting inconsistent weight control behaviors,” the researchers concluded. “Tracking weight variability could prove useful for improving treatment outcomes.

—Melissa Weiss

Reference:

Feig EH, Lowe MR. Variability in Weight Change Early in Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment: Theoretical and Clinical Implications [published online August 28, 2017]. Obesity. doi:10.1002/oby.21925.