Weight parameters and pathological eating as predictors of obesity treatment outcome in children and adolescents.
OBJECTIVE
The current study investigated weight parameters and pathological eating as predictors of treatment outcome in obese youngsters.


METHODS
Obese youngsters (N=132) were examined before participating in an obesity treatment program. Weight loss was measured during and at the end of treatment.


RESULTS
Baseline adjusted BMI, restrained eating style and weight loss after 4 months of treatment positively predicted weight loss at the end, whereas larger weight loss after 1 month of treatment predicted less total weight loss. Lower baseline adjusted BMI was associated with more drop-out whereas subjective binge eating was positively related to program completion.


CONCLUSIONS
Specific weight and eating pathology parameters affected positive as well as negative obesity treatment outcome. Identifying more pre-treatment predictors for drop-out can ameliorate our treatment approach.
Goossens
Lien
L
Ghent University, Department of Developmental, Personality and Social Psychology, Henri Dunantlaan 2, 9000 Gent, Belgium. Lien.Goossens@UGent.be
Braet
Caroline
C
Van Vlierberghe
Leen
L
Mels
Saskia
S
D000293:Adolescent; D001530:Belgium; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D002032:Bulimia / Q000523:psychology; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss