PREDICTORS AND EFFECTS OF LONG-TERM DIETING ON MENTAL WELL-BEING AND WEIGHT-LOSS IN OBESE WOMEN

Sixty moderately obese women (mean BMI=33, mean age=43), randomized to a lactovegetarian or regular 1300-kcal weight-reducing diet were foll owed at 3, 8 and 24 months. Weight follow-up was 92%, while 47% compli ed with the program throughout with no differences between the two die ts with respect to compliance rate, weight loss or behavioral test res ults. Over 24 months compliers lost a mean 3.9 kg compared to a gain o f 1.8 kg in the non-compliers. Short-term improvements in mental well- being measured by the Mood Adjective Check List deteriorated after 2 y ears to lower levels than at entry. Self-assessed motivation to diet w as inversely related to mental well-being at two years. Positive long- term changes of functional status (Sickness Impact Profile) were found . Though subjective prediction of success measured after 3 weeks on di et predicted short-term and maximum weight loss, it did not predict ul timate outcome. More difficulties in resisting emotional and social ea ting cues (high disinhibition score on the Three-Factor Eating Questio nnaire) before and during the diet predicted weight gain. The more ini tial health-related dysfunction (SIP) the greater the weight regain. P sychological characteristics at baseline did not predict compliance or overall weight loss. The magnitude of weight loss after 24 months was related to amount and duration of maximum weight loss.