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. 2018 Mar 14;4(2):153-158.
doi: 10.1002/osp4.157. eCollection 2018 Apr.

Association of changes in mental health with weight loss during intensive lifestyle intervention: does the timing matter?

N Alhalel  1 , S M Schueller  2   3 , M J O'Brien  2   4   5
Affiliations

Association of changes in mental health with weight loss during intensive lifestyle intervention: does the timing matter?

N Alhalel et al. Obes Sci Pract. .

Abstract

Objective: This study examined changes in mental health symptoms and weight during weight loss treatment. It was hypothesized that worsening mental health would negatively impact weight loss.

Methods: Data were analyzed from a trial of 92 Hispanic women with overweight/obesity and prediabetes, who were randomized to receive intensive lifestyle intervention (ILI), metformin 1,700 mg daily, or standard care. Depression, anxiety and perceived stress were assessed at 0, 6 and 12 months. Six- and 12-month weight change was compared among participants whose symptom scores worsened on any mental health measure (W) vs. improved or remained stable on all three (I/S).

Results: Among ILI participants, the 12-month difference in weight loss between I/S and W groups was statistically significant: -5.1 kg (P = 0.001). From baseline to 6 months, ILI participants in I/S and W groups experienced comparable weight loss. However, from 6 to 12 months, W participants regained weight, whereas I/S participants experienced continued weight loss. In the metformin and standard care arms, there was no weight difference between I/S and W groups.

Conclusions: In ILI, 12-month improvement or stability in mental health was significantly associated with weight loss. Weight trajectories between I/S and W groups diverged at 6 months.

Keywords: Anxiety; depression; perceived stress; weight loss.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Change in weight at 6 and 12 months by changes in mental health (improved/stable vs. worsened) Legend: ILI = Intensive Lifestyle Intervention; Met = Metformin; SC = Standard Care.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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