Weight regain and health-related quality of life in postmenopausal women.
Weight loss improves health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, regain after loss is common; little is known about the impact of weight regain on HRQoL in postmenopausal women. Woman on the Move through Activity and Nutrition (WOMAN) is a randomized lifestyle intervention trial of diet, physical activity, and weight loss in 508 postmenopausal women aged 52-62 years. This analysis focused on the women who lost > or =5 lb during the initial phase of the study, baseline to 6 months (n = 248). This cohort was divided into three groups based on subsequent weight change between 6 and 18 months: weight loss (WL; > or =5 lb loss), weight stable (WS; <+/-5 lb change), and weight regain (WR; > or =5 lb gain). HRQoL was measured at baseline, 6, and 18 months using the Short Form-36. Of the 248 women studied, 51 (21%) continued to lose weight after initial weight loss, while 127 (51%) maintained a stable weight, and 70 (28%) regained weight. Between baseline and 6 months, women in WR group had decreased mental health and social-functioning scores, while the WL and WS groups improved in these subscales. Between baseline and 18 months, energy improved most significantly in those with continued weight loss (P = 0.0003). Weight loss was correlated with a small to moderate improvement in perceived general health and energy, which was reversed by weight gain. Further study is needed to investigate the impact of a decline in mental health and social functioning on future weight regain.
Yankura
David J
DJ
School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA.
Conroy
Molly B
MB
Hess
Rachel
R
Pettee
Kelley K
KK
Kuller
Lewis H
LH
Kriska
Andrea M
AM
D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D017698:Postmenopause; D011788:Quality of Life; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior; D012919:Social Behavior; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss