Problem solving, treatment adherence, and weight-loss outcome among women participating in lifestyle treatment for obesity.
OBJECTIVE
This study examined whether improvements in problem-solving abilities mediate the relation between treatment adherence and weight-loss outcome in the behavioral treatment of obesity.


METHODS
272 women (mean+/-SD age=59.4+/-6.2 years, BMI=36.5+/-4.8) participated in a 6-month lifestyle intervention for obesity. Body weight and problem-solving skills (as measured by the Social Problem Solving Inventory-Revised) were assessed pre- and posttreatment. The completion of self-monitoring logs during the intervention served as the marker of treatment adherence.


RESULTS
At posttreatment, participants lost 8.4+/-5.8 kg, an 8.8% reduction in body weight. Changes in weight were associated with increased problem-solving skills and with higher levels of treatment adherence. Improvements in problem-solving skills partially mediated the relation between treatment adherence and weight-loss outcome. Moreover, participants with weight reductions > or = 10% demonstrated significantly greater improvements in problem-solving skills than those with reductions <5%.


CONCLUSIONS
Improvements in problem-solving skills may enable participants to overcome barriers to adherence and thereby enhance treatment-induced weight losses.
Murawski
Mary E
ME
Department of Clinical and Health Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, United States.
Milsom
Vanessa A
VA
Ross
Kathryn M
KM
Rickel
Katie A
KA
DeBraganza
Ninoska
N
Gibbons
Lauren M
LM
Perri
Michael G
MG
D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015444:Exercise; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D011340:Problem Solving; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012931:Social Environment; D015431:Weight Loss