Successfully achieving target weight loss influences subsequent maintenance of lower weight and dropout from treatment

OBJECTIVES: The influence of the amount and rate of weight loss on subsequently regaining weight and dropout from treatment in severely obese patients targeting 5% weight loss was investigated.

METHODS: A total of 120 consecutive hospital patients with severe obesity (BMI: 42 ± 9 kg/m(2) ) participated in an inpatient program targeting 5% weight loss that involved goal setting, charting weight four times daily, and diet and exercise. They were followed after discharge to assess subsequent regaining of weight and dropout.

RESULTS: Mean weight loss was 4.9 ± 2.4% after a mean of 19 days in the hospital, and 43% of the patients achieved the target weight loss (>5%). Over the median 2-year follow-up period, greater than 5% in-hospital weight loss was associated with a significantly lower risk of regaining weight after adjustment for various factors (>5% to ≤7% loss: hazard ratio 0.30 [0.11-0.85] for regaining all of the lost weight and 0.32 [0.13-0.78] for regaining half of the lost weight). No significant relation between the amount or rate of weight loss and dropout from subsequent outpatient treatment was seen.

CONCLUSIONS: Successfully achieving the target weight loss in a comprehensive program predicts subsequent maintenance of lower weight without increasing the risk of dropout. Successful in-hospital weight loss might increase the motivation of obese patients.