Are standard behavioral weight loss programs effective for young adults?

Objective: To compare the enrollment, attendance, retention and weight losses of young adults in behavioral weight loss (BWL) programs with older participants in the same trials. Methods: Data were pooled from three NIH-funded adult BWL trials from two clinical centers in different regions of the country (total N=298); young adults were defined as those aged 18-35 years. Both young adults and adults were compared on session attendance, retention at the 6-month assessment, weight loss and physical activity at 6 months. Results: Young adults represented 7% of the sample, attended significantly fewer sessions than did adults (52 vs 74%, respectively; P < 0.001) and were less likely to be retained for the 6-month assessment (67 vs 95%, respectively; P < 0.05). Controlling for demographic variables, study and baseline weight, the mean weight losses achieved were significantly less for young adults compared with adults (-4.3 kg (6.3) vs -7.7 kg (7.0), respectively; P