Weight bias and weight loss treatment outcomes in treatment-seeking adults.

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 > or = 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.

Successful weight loss with self-help: a stepped-care approach.

In a stepped-care approach to treatment, patients are transitioned to more intensive treatments when less intensive treatments fail to meet treatment goals. Self-help programs are recommended as an initial, low intensity treatment phase in stepped-care models. This investigation examined the effectiveness of a self-help, stepped-care weight loss program. Fifty-eight overweight/obese adults (BMI ≥27 kg/m(2)) participated in a weight loss program. Participants were predominately Caucasian (93.1%) and female (89.7%) with a mean BMI of 36.6 (SD=7.1). Of those completing the program, 57% of participants (N=21) who remained in self-help maintained an 8% weight loss at follow-up. Participants who were stepped-up self-monitored fewer days and reported higher daily caloric intake than self-help participants. Once stepped-up, weight loss outcomes were equivalent between individuals who remained in self-help compared to those who were stepped-up. Individuals who were stepped-up benefited from early intensive intervention when unsuccessful at losing weight with self-help.

The influence of plaintiff's body weight on judgments of responsibility: the role of weight bias.

PROBLEM: The current study investigated the influence of a plaintiff's weight and the location of an accident on a simulated jury's perceptions of plaintiff's personal responsibility for an accident. METHODS: Participants were 185 lean and overweight male and female adults (mean self-reported body mass index: 24.87±5.45) who read one of three vignettes describing an accident that occurred while leaving one of three different establishments (fast food burger restaurant; fitness gym; department store) while viewing one of two silhouettes of the alleged plaintiff (a lean female; an obese female). RESULTS: Participants were significantly more likely to report the plaintiff's weight entered into their perceptions of personal responsibility when they viewed the overweight plaintiff compared to the thin plaintiff. As respondent's self-reported weight bias increased, participants were more likely to hold the plaintiff responsible and more likely to blame plaintiff characteristics for the accident. CONCLUSION: The weight of a plaintiff may affect juror perceptions of personal responsibility particularly if the juror possesses self-reported weight bias.

Transforming your life: an environmental modification approach to weight loss.

This investigation compared a traditional behavioral weight loss program with a weight loss intervention emphasizing environmental modification and habit formation and disruption. Fifty-four overweight and obese adults (BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² were randomly assigned to either a 14-week LEARN or TYL intervention. Forty-two participants completed the six-month follow-up assessment. Treatment outcomes between LEARN and TYL participants were equivalent. During the six-month no-treatment follow-up period, participants evidenced a 3.3 lb (SD = 9.2) weight gain. The TYL intervention appears to represent an attractive option for individuals seeking an alternative to the traditional behavioral approach to weight loss.

Overt weight stigma, psychological distress and weight loss treatment outcomes.

Weight stigma is pervasive and is associated with psychosocial distress. Little research has examined the association between weight stigma and weight loss treatment outcomes. The current investigation examined overt weight stigma, depression, binge eating, and weight loss treatment outcomes in a sample of 55 overweight and obese adults. Overt weight stigma was significantly associated with greater depression and binge eating and poorer weight loss treatment outcomes in a 14-week behavioral weight loss program, suggesting that overt weight stigma may be detrimental to overweight and obese individuals' ability to lose weight and engage in behaviors consistent with weight loss.