Weight loss, stress levels, and compliance in a weight reduction program

Abstract

Baptist Memorial Hospital, in Kansas City, Missouri, was the setting for this study of 54 overweight or obese women who were participating in an established weight reduction program conducted over a period of ten weeks. The purpose was to investigate factors that influenced weight loss of the subjects by determining if relationships existed between (a) demographic data, (b) short-term weight loss in pounds, (c) stress scores on the Schedule of Recent Experience developed by Holmes and Rahe (SRE) (8), and (d) compliance of subjects as determined by attendance, completion of Special Weekly Assignment Projects, and of Eating Diaries. The instructional method utilized a behavior modification approach with specially designed nutrition education techniques including the use of calorie points.

Mean weight loss for the participants was 5.63 pounds at the end of the ten-week program. Stress scores ranged from O to 1761 with 50% of the subjects scoring under 300; 26% between 301 and 600; and 24% over 601. Older (over 45) and married participants had proportionately fewer high stress scores than younger and unmarried subjects. Possible success or failure in achieving weight loss could not be predicted from stress scores. Persons who showed a greater degree of compliance with the various aspects of the program were more successful in achieving weight loss than were subjects who were less compliant. Persons who attended the greatest number of sessions, who obtained higher scores on the Weekly Assignment Projects, and who completed Eating Diaries lost more weight than those who did not comply with these program procedures.

The importance of client compliance with weight reduction program requirements was demonstrated by the results of this study.