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Open Access Characterization of Early Non-responders within Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment

Objectives: Given that low early (4 weeks) weight loss (WL) predicts longer-term WL, the purpose of this study was to identify factors associated with poor early WL. Methods: We had 438 adults with overweight/obesity participating in an Internet-delivered behavioral WL program provide weights at baseline and 4 weeks. Participants were stratified by percent WL at 4 weeks: LOW: < 2% WL, MEDIUM: 2 to < 4% WL, HIGH: ≥ 4% WL and groups were compared on baseline variables (demographics, physical activity, and psychosocial measures) and 4-week intervention adherence. Results: Respectively, 37.4%, 40.9%, and 21.7% of participants had LOW, MEDIUM, and HIGH early WL. LOW was more likely to be female compared to HIGH and less likely to be non-Hispanic white compared to MEDIUM and HIGH (p's<0.05). After controlling for demographic differences, LOW had lower baseline physical activity compared to HIGH and watched fewer video lessons, self-monitored calorie intake and weight on fewer days, and were less likely to achieve the exercise goal compared to MEDIUM and HIGH (ps < .05). Conclusion: Findings can inform future adaptive interventions that tailor treatment based upon early WL to improve WL outcomes for more individuals.

Keywords: ADAPTIVE INTERVENTION; BEHAVIORAL WEIGHT LOSS; EARLY NON-RESPONDER; OBESITY; STEPPED CARE

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: 1: Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University and The Miriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, Providence, RI, United States;, Email: [email protected] 2: Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia SC, United States 3: Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI, United States 4: Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University and The Miriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center, Providence, RI, United States 5: Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT, United States 6: The Miriam Hospital's Weight Control and Diabetes Research Center

Publication date: January 1, 2024

This article was made available online on January 31, 2024 as a Fast Track article with title: "Characterization of Early Non-responders within Behavioral Weight Loss Treatment".

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  • The American Journal of Health Behavior seeks to improve the quality of life through multidisciplinary health efforts in fostering a better understanding of the multidimensional nature of both individuals and social systems as they relate to health behaviors.

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