title: Short- and long-term eating habit modification predicts weight change in overweight, postmenopausal women: results from the WOMAN study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Standard behavioral obesity treatment produces poor long-term results. Focusing on healthy eating behaviors rather than energy intake may be an alternative strategy. In addition, important behaviors might differ for short- vs long-term weight control.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Our aim was to describe and compare associations between changes in eating behaviors and weight after 6 and 48 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed secondary analysis of data collected during a randomized weight-loss intervention trial with 48-month follow-up.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied 481 overweight and obese postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women on the Move through Activity and Nutrition (WOMAN) Study.
  
  
  METHODS
  We measured changes in weight from baseline to 6 and 48 months.
  
  
  METHODS
  Linear regression models were used to examine the associations between 6- and 48-month changes in eating habits assessed by the Conner Diet Habit Survey and changes in weight. Analyses were conducted in the combined study population and stratified by randomization group.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 6 months in the combined population, weight loss was independently associated with decreased desserts (P<0.001), restaurant eating (P=0.042), sugar-sweetened beverages (P=0.009), and fried foods (P<0.001), and increased fish consumption (P=0.003). Results were similar in intervention participants; only reduced desserts and fried foods associated with weight loss in controls. At 48 months in the combined population, weight loss was again associated with decreased desserts (P=0.003) and sugar-sweetened beverages (P=0.011), but also decreased meats/cheeses (P=0.024) and increased fruits/vegetables (P<0.001). Decreased meats/cheeses predicted weight loss in intervention participants; desserts, sugar-sweetened beverages, and fruits/vegetables were independently associated in controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Changes in eating behaviors were associated with weight change, although important behaviors differed for short- and long-term weight change and by randomization group. Future studies should determine whether interventions targeting these behaviors could improve long-term obesity treatment outcomes.
authors.forename: Bethany
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Barone Gibbs
authors.forename: Laura S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Kinzel
authors.forename: Kelley
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pettee Gabriel
authors.forename: Yue-Fang
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.forename: Lewis H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Kuller
mesh_terms: D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D010414:Pennsylvania; D017698:Postmenopause; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss