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This investigation examined the effectiveness of a self-help (SH), stepped-care (SC) weight loss program. Based on a failure to achieve pre-assigned weight loss goals, participants were eligible to be stepped-up from a SH program to two levels of treatment intensity (weight loss group [WLG]; individual counseling [IC]) beyond SH. The primary outcome was change in body weight. Fifty-three overweight/obese adults (BMI≥27 kg/m2; mean BMI of 37.3, SD=6.6, 89% Caucasian, and 77% female) participated in an 18-week weight loss intervention. During several phases of the investigation, those stepped-up to more intensive treatment lost comparable weight to those who were not stepped-up. Nevertheless, by the end of treatment, individuals who remained in SH (M = 8.6%) lost a significantly greater percentage of weight than individuals who received SH+IC (M = 4.7%; p

Objective Weight bias among weight loss treatment-seeking adults has been understudied. This investigation examined the 1) levels of implicit, explicit, and internalized weight bias among overweight/obese treatment-seeking adults, 2) association between weight bias and psychosocial maladjustment (binge eating, body image, depression), and 3) association between participation in weight loss treatment and changes in weight bias. Methods Fifty-four overweight and obese individuals (BMI ≥ 27) recruited for a weight loss intervention completed measures of depression, body image, binge eating, and implicit, explicit, and internalized weight bias. Results Participants evidenced significant implicit, explicit, and internalized weight bias. Greater weight bias was associated with greater depression, poorer body image, and increased binge eating. Despite significant reductions in negative internalized and explicit weight bias following treatment, weight bias remained strong. Conclusions Weight bias among treatment-seeking adults is associated with greater psychological maladjustment and may interfere with their ability to achieve optimal health and well-being.

Research suggests that specific eating patterns (e.g., eating breakfast) may be related to favorable weight status. This investigation examined the relationship between eating patterns (i.e., skipping meals; consuming alcohol) and weight loss treatment outcomes (weight loss, energy intake, energy expenditure, and duration of exercise). Fifty-four overweight or obese adults (BMI> or =27 kg/m(2)) participated in a self-help or therapist-assisted weight loss program. Daily energy intake from breakfast, lunch, dinner, and alcoholic beverages, total daily energy intake, total daily energy expenditure, physical activity, and weekly weight loss were assessed. On days that breakfast or dinner was skipped, or alcoholic beverages were not consumed, less total daily energy was consumed compared to days that breakfast, dinner, or alcoholic beverages were consumed. On days that breakfast or alcohol was consumed, daily energy expenditure (breakfast only) and duration of exercise were higher compared to days that breakfast or alcohol was not consumed. Individuals who skipped dinner or lunch more often had lower energy expenditure and exercise duration than individuals who skipped dinner or lunch less often. Individuals who consumed alcohol more often had high daily energy expenditure than individuals who consumed alcohol less often. Skipping meals or consuming alcoholic beverages was not associated with weekly weight loss. In this investigation, weight loss program participants may have compensated for excess energy intake from alcoholic beverages and meals with greater daily energy expenditure and longer exercise duration.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend creating an energy deficit of at least 500 kcal a day to facilitate weight loss. This investigation examined the relationship between creating a consistent, self-reported energy deficit of at least 500 kcal a day and weight loss. The relationship between self-monitoring adherence and daily energy intake and expenditure and weight loss was also examined.Fifty-four overweight or obese adults (BMIor=27 kg/m(2)) participating in a 14-week weight loss program were given a 5% total body weight loss goal and instructed to create an energy deficit of at least 500 kcal a day to facilitate weight loss. Participants provided daily records of total energy intake and expenditure, physical activity, and weekly and overall weight loss during treatment.Individuals who averaged an energy deficit in excess of 500 kcal per day lost nearly four times the weight as individuals whose average energy deficit was below 500 kcal per day (p.01). Individuals who lost 5% of their body weight during the intervention self-monitored more than twice as many days than individuals who failed to lose 5% of their body weight (p.01).Individuals interested in losing weight should continue to be advised to regularly self-monitor energy intake and expenditure as well as to create a consistent daily energy deficit (e.g., 500 kcal day).