Stage of change as a predictor of success in weight control in adult women

Weight change over 3 years was examined in a large and heterogeneous sample of women as a function of stage of change for weight control. Women were c lassified into Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, and Action sta ges on the basis of reports of current and past weight control behaviors an d future intentions. Stage of change did not predict success in weight cont rol. Mean weight changes over 3 years were 1.1 kg, 1.0 kg, 2.1 kg, and 2.3 kg for Precontemplation, Contemplation, Preparation, and Action stages, res pectively. The findings call into question the generality of the stages-of- change classification system across behavioral domains.