Motivation for weight loss and association with outcomes in a lifestyle intervention: comparing emerging adults to middle aged adults

Abstract

Background: Emerging adults (EAs) ages 18–25 are at high risk for overweight/obesity, but little is known about their motivations for weight loss or how these may differ from those of middle aged adults (MAs) and relate to treatment outcomes. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine potential differences in weight loss motivations between EAs and MAs and determine the association between motivation and engagement/outcomes in a weight loss trial. Methods: Data were pooled from two behavioural weight loss interventions: one targeting EAs (n = 52) and one targeting MAs ages 40–60 (n = 101). Motivation, attendance, dietary self-monitoring and weight change were measured in both trials across 3 months of treatment. Results: Emerging adults were less motivated by health concerns than MAs (p