Understanding Predictors of Successful Weight Loss Outcomes

A recent review examined common predictors of successful weight loss and findings show that initial weight loss may be the most important factor for improved outcomes.

“Understanding the predictors of weight loss with lifestyle interventions can help to ascertain the probable outcomes of individuals with obesity who undergo such interventions,” said researchers of the study.

The researchers conducted a systematic review of evidence published in PubMed, Cochrane Reviews, PsychInfo, and Wiley databases over the last 20 years for relevant literature regarding successful weight loss among individuals with overweight or obesity.

Of 1351 relevant articles, 23 studies were formally examined for the review’s purpose. The included studies’ predictors “were synthesized in the domains of socio-demographic factors, anthropometric parameters, psychological, and behavioral factors and intervention-based factors.”

Synthesized predictors were measured for quality and appraised using an adapted GRADE approach, explained the researchers.

According to the data, patient-specific factors—including age (being older), sex (being male), and existing cardiometabolic comorbidities—were significantly associated with successful weight loss. Limited fat intake was also observed to be a successful factor.

“Amongst intervention specific predictors, greater initial weight loss and higher adherence to lifestyle advice were associated with greater weight loss success,” said the researchers. “In this review, initial weight loss came out to be as the most important predictor of successful weight loss outcome.”

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