Weight loss motivations: a latent class analysis approach
Lemon, Stephenie C Schneider, Kristin L. Wang, Monica L. Liu, Qin Magner, Robert P. Estabrook, Barbara Druker, Susan Pbert, Lori
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To identify subgroups of adults with respect to weight loss motivations and assess factors associated with subgroup membership.
METHOD: A cross-sectional survey among 414 overweight/ obese employees in 12 Massachusetts high schools was conducted. Latent class analysis (LCA) defined distinct weight loss motivation classes. Multinomial logistic regression assessed participant characteristics with class membership.
RESULTS: Three classes emerged: improving health; improving health and looking/feeling better; and improving health, looking/feeling, better and improving personal/social life. Compared to class 1, class 2 was more likely to be female and younger and class 3 was more likely to be female, younger, have children at home, and perceive themselves as very over-weight.
CONCLUSIONS: Findings can inform targeted weight loss interventions.
Source
Am J Health Behav. 2014 Jul;38(4):605-13. doi: 10.5993/AJHB.38.4.14. Link to article on publisher's site