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Weight Bias and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes in Treatment-Seeking Adults

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  • Published:
Annals of Behavioral Medicine

Abstract

Background

Few studies have explored the relationship between weight bias and weight loss treatment outcomes.

Purpose

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 ≥ 27 kg/m2) 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.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH, 43403, USA

    Robert A. Carels Ph.D., Kathleen M. Young M.A., Carissa B. Wott M.A., Jessica Harper M.A., Amanda Gumble B.A., Marissa Wagner Oehlof M.A. & Anna Marie Clayton M.A.

Authors
  1. Robert A. Carels Ph.D.
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  2. Kathleen M. Young M.A.
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  3. Carissa B. Wott M.A.
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  4. Jessica Harper M.A.
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  5. Amanda Gumble B.A.
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  6. Marissa Wagner Oehlof M.A.
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  7. Anna Marie Clayton M.A.
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Robert A. Carels Ph.D..

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Carels, R.A., Young, K.M., Wott, C.B. et al. Weight Bias and Weight Loss Treatment Outcomes in Treatment-Seeking Adults. ann. behav. med. 37, 350–355 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-009-9109-4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12160-009-9109-4

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