Journal of Obesity (Jan 2013)

Examining Social Influence on Participation and Outcomes among a Network of Behavioral Weight-Loss Intervention Enrollees

  • T. L. Carson,
  • K. E. Eddings,
  • R. A. Krukowski,
  • S. J. Love,
  • J. R. Harvey-Berino,
  • D. S. West

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/480630
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 2013

Abstract

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Research suggests that social networks, social support, and social influence are associated with weight trajectories among treatment- and non-treatment-seeking individuals. This study examined the impact of having a social contact who participated in the same group behavioral weight-control intervention in the absence of specific social support training on women engaged in a weight-loss program. Participants (n=92; 100% female; 54% black; mean age: 46±10 years; mean BMI: 38±6) were grouped based upon whether or not they reported a social contact enrolled previously/concurrently in our behavioral weight-control studies. Primary outcomes were 6-month weight change and treatment adherence (session attendance and self-monitoring). Half of the participants (53%) indicated that they had a social contact; black women were more likely to report a social contact than white women (67.3% versus 39.5%; P<0.01). Among participants with a social contact, 67% reported at least one contact as instrumental in the decision to enroll in the program. Those with a contact lost more weight (5.9 versus 3.7 kg; P=0.04), attended more group sessions (74% versus 54%; P<0.01), and submitted more self-monitoring journals (69% versus 54%; P=0.01) than those without a contact. Participants' weight change was inversely associated with social contacts' weight change (P=0.04). There was no association between participant and contact’s group attendance or self-monitoring. Social networks may be a promising vehicle for recruiting and engaging women in a behavioral weight-loss program, particularly black women. The role of a natural social contact deserves further investigation.