Predictors of Weight Loss in Low-Income Mothers of Young Children
Abstract
Objective
To identify predictors of weight loss in a tri-ethnic population of low-income mothers.
Design
An 8-week dietary and physical activity program was tested. Demographic data were collected at baseline; anthropometric, dietary, physical activity, and psychosocial data were measured at baseline and week 8.
Subjects/setting
A convenience sample of 114 Hispanic, African-American, and white, low-income mothers with a body mass index ≥25 (calculated as kg/m2) participated in the intervention.
Intervention
Weight-loss classes that incorporated nutrition, physical activity, and behavior modification were administered for 8 weeks.
Main outcome measures
Anthropometry (body weight, weight loss).
Statistical analyses performed
Analysis of variance, χ2 tests, and Spearman and Pearson correlations were used to test for associations between baseline and change data and total weight loss. Hierarchical regression was employed to assess the marginal importance of factors beyond socioeconomic influences.
Results
Correlates of weight loss included less satisfaction with appearance (r=0.24), greater percentage of energy from protein (r=−0.22), enhanced nutrition knowledge (r=−0.23), and higher scores for benefits of weight loss (r =−0.20) at baseline; and the change in healthful eating attitudes (r=−0.28) and social support (r=−0.21) at 8 weeks. The predictive models of baseline and change variables represented 11.4% and 13.8% of the variance, respectively.
Conclusions
Weight-management programs serving low-income mothers should provide techniques to enhance social support, attitudes toward healthful eating, benefits of weight loss, and nutrition knowledge.
Address correspondence to: Jeanne Freeland-Graves, PhD, RD, Division of Nutritional Sciences, 1 University Station, A2700, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712.
ABSTRACT