Health-Related Quality of Life, Behavior Change, and Adherence in a Weight Loss Study

Problems of excess weight continue to plague the United States, especially in regard to the growing number of obese patients. Treating obesity has proven problematic largely due to non-adherence to behavioral treatment recommendations. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) has received little attention as a possible correlate of health behavior change and adherence among overweight and obese individuals, especially those from rural areas. The primary goal of the current study was to explore whether HRQOL predicts change in physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, and weight as well as adherence to weight loss counseling calls among rural overweight and obese patients. HRQOL was measured as the physical and mental component scores of the SF-12 (MCS-12, PCS-12). Results of linear regression indicated that baseline MCS-12 significantly predicted adherence to counseling calls, adjusting for age, BMI, and education. Neither MCS-12 nor PCS-12 predicted change in physical activity, fruit and vegetable intake, or weight. It appears that those with optimal mental HRQOL at baseline may be more likely to adhere to counseling calls for weight loss. HRQOL prior to the start of a weight loss study does not appear to predict those more likely to increase physical activity and fruit and vegetable consumption or to lose weight. Thus, rather than a pre-treatment predictor of success, HRQOL may be best used as an outcome of obesity treatment to inform clinicians of patients' physical and psychological status as a result of weight loss.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Kansas

Year dc:date.issued

2011

Author dc:creator

• Duncan, Angela Banitt

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Befort, Christie
• Higgins, Raymond

• Clinical psychology
• Adherence
• Behavior
• Quality of Life
• Weight

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright held by the author.

Language dc:language.iso

en

Dc Identifier Other

http://dissertations.umi.com/ku:11941

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:kuscholarworks.ku.edu:1808/36874