title: Eating behaviors as predictors of weight loss in a 6 month weight loss intervention.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To examine associations between eating behavior constructs and weight loss (WL) in a 6-month WL intervention in worksites.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cluster-randomized controlled trial of a group behavioral WL intervention versus wait-listed control was conducted at four worksites. Measures included body weight and the eating behavior constructs restraint, disinhibition, hunger, and their sub-constructs. Rates of intervention meeting attendance and weight self-monitoring were also quantified.
  
  
  RESULTS
  WL was greater in intervention participants than controls (ΔI = -8.1±6.8 kg, ΔC = +0.9±3.6 kg, P<0.001). Between-group analyses showed that the intervention was associated with increased restraint (ΔI = 5.43±4.25, ΔC = 0.29±3.80, P<0.001), decreased disinhibition (ΔI = -2.5±3.63, ΔC = 0.66±1.85, P < 0.001) and decreased hunger (ΔI = -2.79±3.13, ΔC = 0.56±2.63, P < 0.001), and changes in all eating behavior subscales. Greater WL in intervention participants was correlated with higher baseline hunger (r = -0.25, P = 0.03), increased restraint (r = -0.35, P=0.001), decreased disinhibition (r = 0.26, P = 0.02), and decreased hunger (r = 0.36, P = 0.001). However, in a multiple regression model including rates of meeting attendance and self-monitoring, decreased hunger was the only eating behavior change that predicted weight loss (R(2) =0.57, P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Decreased hunger was the strongest predictor of WL in this intervention with relatively high mean WL. Further studies are needed to confirm the central role of hunger management in successful WL.
authors.affiliation: Jean Mayer USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: Payal
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Batra
authors.forename: Sai Krupa
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Das
authors.forename: Taylor
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Salinardi
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Robinson
authors.forename: Edward
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Saltzman
authors.forename: Tammy
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Scott
authors.forename: Anastassios G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Pittas
authors.forename: Susan B
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Roberts
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015930:Diet Records; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D050177:Overweight / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs