Weight bias and weight loss treatment outcomes in treatment-seeking adults.
BACKGROUND
Few studies have explored the relationship between weight bias and weight loss treatment outcomes.


OBJECTIVE
This investigation examined the relationship between implicit and explicit weight bias and (a) program attrition, (b) weight loss, (c) self-monitoring adherence, (d) daily exercise levels and overall caloric expenditure, (e) daily caloric intake, and (f) daily caloric deficit among overweight/obese treatment-seeking adults.


METHODS
Forty-six overweight/obese adults (body mass index > or = 27 kg/m(2)) participating in an 18-week, stepped-care, behavioral weight loss program completed implicit and explicit measures of weight bias. Participants were instructed to self-monitor and electronically report daily energy intake, exercise, and energy expenditure.


RESULTS
Greater weight bias was associated with inconsistent self-monitoring, greater caloric intake, lower energy expenditure and exercise, creation of a smaller caloric deficit, higher program attrition, as well as less weight loss during the self-help phase of the stepped-care treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
Weight bias may interfere with overweight/obese treatment-seeking adults' ability to achieve optimal health.
Carels
Robert A
RA
Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA. rcarels@bgsu.edu
Young
Kathleen M
KM
Wott
Carissa B
CB
Harper
Jessica
J
Gumble
Amanda
A
Oehlof
Marissa Wagner
MW
Clayton
Anna Marie
AM
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D002149:Energy Intake; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010352:Patient Dropouts / Q000523:psychology*; D011287:Prejudice; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss