Lisa M Nackers1, Pamela J Dubyak1, Xiaomin Lu2, Stephen D Anton3, Gareth R Dutton4, Michael G Perri1. 1. Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. 2. Department of Biostatistics, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. 3. Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA. 4. Division of Preventive Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, USA.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess whether group dynamics are associated with weight loss, session attendance, and self-monitoring adherence after 6 months of lifestyle intervention for obesity. METHODS: Women with obesity (N = 125; mean ± SD BMI = 37.84 ± 3.94 kg/m(2) ; age = 51.99 ± 10.81 years) participated in a 24-week group-based lifestyle weight loss intervention and achieved a weight loss of 9.13 ± 7.15 kg after 6 months. Participants reported their perceptions of group conflict, avoidance, engagement, social support, and attraction at the end of treatment. Multiple regression with forward selection assessed which group dynamic variables were associated with weight loss, attendance, and adherence. RESULTS: Greater perceived group conflict was associated with smaller weight losses (β = 1.833, P = 0.044) and lower attendance (β = -2.313, P = 0.002) and adherence rates (β = -2.261, P = 0.030). Higher group attraction was associated with higher attendance rates (β = 0.051, P = 0.039). The association between perceived conflict and weight change was mediated by attendance and adherence (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate that group dynamics associate with weight loss outcomes, attendance, and adherence. Addressing conflicts and fostering acceptance among group members may promote success in group-based lifestyle interventions for obesity.
OBJECTIVE: To assess whether group dynamics are associated with weight loss, session attendance, and self-monitoring adherence after 6 months of lifestyle intervention for obesity. METHODS:Women with obesity (N = 125; mean ± SD BMI = 37.84 ± 3.94 kg/m(2) ; age = 51.99 ± 10.81 years) participated in a 24-week group-based lifestyle weight loss intervention and achieved a weight loss of 9.13 ± 7.15 kg after 6 months. Participants reported their perceptions of group conflict, avoidance, engagement, social support, and attraction at the end of treatment. Multiple regression with forward selection assessed which group dynamic variables were associated with weight loss, attendance, and adherence. RESULTS: Greater perceived group conflict was associated with smaller weight losses (β = 1.833, P = 0.044) and lower attendance (β = -2.313, P = 0.002) and adherence rates (β = -2.261, P = 0.030). Higher group attraction was associated with higher attendance rates (β = 0.051, P = 0.039). The association between perceived conflict and weight change was mediated by attendance and adherence (P = 0.019). CONCLUSIONS: Findings demonstrate that group dynamics associate with weight loss outcomes, attendance, and adherence. Addressing conflicts and fostering acceptance among group members may promote success in group-based lifestyle interventions for obesity.
Authors: Kerstin Bauer; Sandra Schild; Helene Sauer; Martin Teufel; Andreas Stengel; Katrin Elisabeth Giel; Philipp Schellhorn; Florian Junne; Andreas Nieß; Stephan Zipfel; Isabelle Mack Journal: Obes Facts Date: 2021-09-14 Impact factor: 3.942
Authors: Shannon M Clark-Sienkiewicz; Annmarie Caño; Lori Lackman Zeman; Mark A Lumley; Neha Gothe Journal: J Clin Psychol Med Settings Date: 2021-01-05