The research was performed to determine factors associated with weight loss maintenance. Factors examined included: a) physical characteristics, b) eating habits, c) self-motivation level and d) activity level. Subjects included 19 overweight females who had participated in a nutrition and exercise program held at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Two separate groups of subjects were contacted and interviewed. Group 1 (n=11) participants in a six week treatment program, consisting of a very low calorie (530 kcal) liquid diet, and a supervised exercise program corresponding to 60% VO₂ max for 30-40 min., 3 times/week. Group 2 ( n=8) consisted of an eight week treatment program, consisting of mild caloric restriction (1200-1500 kcal/day), and a supervised exercise program corresponding to 70% VO₂max for 30-40 min. Group 1 was 12 months post formal treatment and group 2 6 months. A questionnaire was developed and administered to the subjects. The first three sections were multiple choice concentrating on eating habits, behavior modification techniques, and self-motivation level (SMI). The last section was an interview session ascertaining information on activity levels. Of the factors examined, four were found to be prevalent for both groups: skipping breakfast and a strong appetite in the evening showed higher average weight gains, preplanning meals and higher self-motivation levels produced a lower average weight gain. Group 1 showed lower average weight gains for those individuals who joined another program and ate 3 meals a day. Group 2 showed individuals who had higher activity levels had lower average weight gains. Due to the low incidence of maintenance of weight loss, it appears necessary to emphasize maintenance strategies during treatment sessions. Also it appears necessary to individualize treatment for subjects due to the range of self-motivation levels. Booster sessions and/or continued treatment may be helpful for those exhibiting a low motivation trait. / M.S.

TITLE: Calories vs. Composition: The effect on dietary alterations on anthropometric measures and biochemical parameters in overweight women.LEARNING OUTCOME: To determine if a high-protein, low-carbohydrate, ad-libitum diet is more effective than an energy-restricted diet in promoting weight loss and improving blood lipid and insulin levels.ABSTRACT TEXT: Thirty overweight/obese (BMI: 25-35kg/m2), premenopausal women were matched for Body Mass Index (BMI) and randomly assigned to one of the two diets: (1) High Protein (HP) (30-40% protein, 40-55% fat, 10-20% CHO); (2) Energy Restricted (ER) (1200kcal/d, 20-25% fat, 15-20% protein, 55-60% CHO). Subjects were given weekly menus matching their assigned macronutrient and/or energy requirements to aid in meal planning and dietary compliance. Baseline and post-diet measures included height, weight, body composition, blood lipids (total cholesterol (TC), HDL, LDL< and triglycerides (TG)], and plasma insulin levels. There were no significant differences found among the two groups in any of the above-listed variables prior to the study. Twenty-three women completed the 6-week study (HP=11, ER= 12). Compliance to the diets was adequate as indicated by weekly 24-hour recalls and daily urinary ketone levels. Both groups lost a significant amount of weight and body fat (P<0.05), andweight and body fat losses were not significantly different between the groups. In addition, both groups experienced similar decreases in TG, TC, LDL, HDL, and insulin levels. These results indicate that a HP diet is no more effective than an ER diet in promoting favorable changes in body weight, body composition, blood lipids, and insulin levels. / Department of Family and Consumer Sciences

An eight-week weight-loss competition was conducted in an industrial worksite in Big Island, Virginia in the spring of 1993. Educational interventions were based on theories of self-efficacy and social support. Sixteen employees volunteered for the weight loss competition; fifteen completed the program. A single case study design was used to analyze the relationships among self-efficacy, intake of dietary fat, and weight loss as impact variables. Process variables deemed important for the program’s success were also examined for each individual. They included attendance at weekly weigh-ins, completion of daily food intake forms, attendance at weekly educational sessions, and completion of self-efficacy questionnaires. Results showed that women were more likely to participate in the program’s activities than men. Teams that worked together (within the same department) were more successful and more supportive of each other than teams composed of individuals from different departments. Individuals who participated in the educational sessions and competed in the assignments were more successful in losing weight. Due to the small number of participants, no significant effect was found between self-efficacy scores and weight loss. / Master of Science