Examination of pretreatment predictors of attrition in a VLCD and behavior therapy weight-loss program.

Seventeen pretreatment predictors of attrition in a very low-calorie diet (VLCD) and behavior therapy combined weight-loss program (Optifast) were examined. A multiple discriminant function analysis was conducted on historical data in an attempt to distinguish early dropouts (weeks 2-14) from late dropouts (weeks 15-26) from completers. The following seven predictor variables contributed to the significant discriminant function equation: the number of past diets, past emotional difficulties, past physical or emotional difficulties while dieting, expected stress over the next 6 months, the number of close friends, the number of people who annoy the dieter about his or her weight, and the expectation of insurance coverage. In addition, it was found that completers reported a significantly greater number of previous diets than early dropouts.