Recent weight changes and weight cycling as predictors of subsequent two year weight change in a middle-aged cohort.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the influence of recent weight changes (weight gain, loss and cycling) on subsequent weight changes.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study with 2 y of follow-up. Data analysis with a polytomous logistic regression model.


METHODS
A total of 18 001 non-smoking subjects, 6689 men and 11 312 women, from the general population.


METHODS
Body height and weight measurements and interview data on lifestyle habits and medical history at baseline. For follow-up, self-administered questionnaires for assessment of body weight and incident diseases.


RESULTS
Recent changes in body weight, that is weight gain, weight loss and weight cycling, were significant predictors of subsequent weight changes in both men and women after controlling for age, baseline BMI and several lifestyle and behavioural characteristics as potential confounding factors. Weight cycling before baseline was the strongest predictor of subsequent large weight gain (> or =2 kg) with an odds ratio (OR) of 4.84 (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.34-7.02) in men. In women, prior weight loss was the strongest predictor of subsequent large weight gain (OR 4.77; 95% CI 3.63-6.03), followed by weight cycling (OR 3.02; 95% CI 2.15-4.25).


CONCLUSIONS
These data indicate the need for thorough weight history assessment to identify those who are most likely to gain weight. Effective weight control before the development of obesity or after intentional weight loss due to obesity should be a primary goal in the management of obesity.
Kroke
A
A
German Institute of Human Nutrition, Department of Epidemiology, Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Germany. kroke@mail.dife.de
Liese
A D
AD
Schulz
M
M
Bergmann
M M
MM
Klipstein-Grobusch
K
K
Hoffmann
K
K
Boeing
H
H
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001519:Behavior; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011446:Prospective Studies; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss