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N-of-1 study of weight loss maintenance assessing predictors of physical activity, adherence to weight loss plan and weight change

Lookup NU author(s): Dominika Kwasnicka, Dr Stephan Dombrowski, Professor Martin White, Professor Falko Sniehotta

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).

Abstract

© 2017 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group Objective: Behaviour change interventions are effective in supporting individuals to achieve clinically significant weight loss, but weight loss maintenance (WLM) is less often attained. This study examined predictive variables associated with WLM. Design: N-of-1 study with daily ecological momentary assessment combined with objective measurement of weight and physical activity, collected with wireless devices (Fitbit™) for six months. Eight previously obese adults who had lost over 5% of their body weight in the past year took part. Data were analysed using time series methods. Main outcomes measures: Predictor variables were based on five theoretical themes: maintenance motives, self-regulation, personal resources, habits, and environmental influences. Dependent variables were: objectively estimated step count and weight, and self-reported WLM plan adherence. Results: For all participants, daily fluctuations in self-reported adherence to their WLM plan were significantly associated with most of the explanatory variables, including maintenance motivation and satisfaction with outcomes, self-regulation, habit, and stable environment. Personal resources were not a consistent predictor of plan adherence. Conclusion: This is the first study to assess theoretical predictions of WLM within individuals. WLM is a dynamic process including the interplay of motivation, self-regulation, habit, resources, and perceptions of environmental context. Individuals maintaining their weight have unique psychological profiles which could be accounted for in interventions.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Kwasnicka D, Dombrowski SU, White M, Sniehotta FF

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Psychology and Health

Year: 2017

Volume: 32

Issue: 6

Pages: 686-708

Online publication date: 21/03/2017

Acceptance date: 02/02/2017

Date deposited: 08/05/2017

ISSN (print): 0887-0446

ISSN (electronic): 1476-8321

Publisher: Routledge

URL: https://doi.org/10.1080/08870446.2017.1293057

DOI: 10.1080/08870446.2017.1293057

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