Psychological and behavioral predictors of weight loss during drug treatment for obesity

OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether baseline eating behavior, emotio ns, and body image were significant predictors of change in body mass index (BMI) over 6 month and 12 month time intervals for individuals enrolled in a weight loss program that combined appetite suppressant medications and b ehavior therapy for obesity. METHOD: Participants were asked to complete self-report questionnaires at b aseline, 6 months, and 12 months. In addition, their height and weight were measured and they were administered a body image assessment procedure at e ach time interval. RESULTS: At baseline, perceived hunger, dietary restraint, current body siz e, and trait anxiety were important components in a model for prediction of weight loss at 6 months. Perceived hunger, dietary restraint, and current body size as measured at baseline were important components in the predicti on of weight loss at 12 months. These predictive variables, together with g ender and initial BMI, accounted for 48.6% of the variance in weight loss a t 6 months and 51.7% of the variance in weight loss at 12 months. DISCUSSION: These findings suggest that scores on certain paper and pencil tests may be useful as predictors of success or failure for individuals ent ering a weight loss program using pharmacological and behavioral interventi ons.