Weight Loss Ripple Effect in Spouses

Silver Spring, Maryland, Feb. 01, 2018 -- Behavioral weight management programs have impacts not just on the person undergoing treatment but also on spouses. A new study published in Obesity tracked the weight loss progress of 130 spouses over a 6 month period. The study found that the rate at which spouses lose weight is interlinked. In other words, if one member loses weight at a steady pace, their partner did too.

Lead author Amy Gorin, PhD, Professor of Psychological Sciences and Associate Director at Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy (InCHIP) said, “This was the first study to use a randomized controlled trial to examine whether individuals’ participation in less structured programs (i.e., Weight Watchers and a self-guided treatment condition) has a weight loss ripple effect on untreated spouses.”

In this study, 130 spouses were randomly assigned to Weight Watchers or a self-guided control group. Participants were ages 25-70 years and were assessed at 0,3 and 6 months. Also, treated participants had to have a body mass index range from 27 to 40 kg/m² and at least 25 kg/m² for untreated spouses. Couples assigned to the Weight Watchers group had only one member enrolled in a structured 6-month weight loss program that provided in-person counseling and online tools to assist with weight loss. In the self-guided group, one member of the couple received a four-page handout with information on healthy eating, exercise, and weight control strategies (e.g., choosing a low-fat, low-calorie diet, portion control). The results indicate that nearly one-third (32%) of untreated spouses in both groups lost ≥3% of their initial body weight (weight loss based on obesity management guidelines) at the 6-month mark, and weight losses did not differ between untreated spouses of Weight Watchers and self-guided participants.

TOS spokesperson James O. Hill, PhD, Professor of Pediatrics & Medicine at University of Colorado School of Medicine said, “Spouses of those losing weight in these programs also lost weight. This suggests that it may be possible in the future to more actively involve spouses in weight management programs.” Overall, untreated spouses can also benefit from weight loss of their treated spouses.

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This press release can be published in full or in part with attribution to The Obesity Society.

About The Obesity Society

The Obesity Society (TOS) is the leading professional society dedicated to better understanding, preventing and treating obesity. Through research, education and advocacy, TOS is committed to improving the lives of those affected by the disease of obesity. For more information, visit www.Obesity.org and  connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Learn more about industry relationships here.

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A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/442e5f8d-c006-46a8-a964-444ba88a1fa1

Robyn Gordon
The Obesity Society
240-485-1951
[email protected]