Mental health and behavioral weight loss: 24-month outcomes in Veterans

Abstract Background Individuals with mental health (MH) disorders have an increased risk of being overweight/obese; however research on behavioral weight loss interventions has been limited. A priori hypothesis that Veterans with serious mental illness (SMI) and/or affective disorders (AD) would lose significantly less weight and have a different pattern of weight loss than Veterans without these diagnoses. Methods Secondary data analysis of ASPIRE-VA study, three-arm randomized, effectiveness weight loss trial among Veterans (n=409) categorized by MH diagnoses: 1) SMI, 2) AD without SMI, or 3) No SMI/No AD. Linear mixed-effects model analyzed weight changes from baseline thru 24 months. Results SMI and AD were diagnosed in 10% (n=41) and 31% (n=125). Participants attended approximately 15 sessions from baseline to 24 months. On average, participants lost a modest amount of weight over 24 months regardless of MH diagnosis. Longitudinally, no statistically significant differences were found in weight loss patterns by MH diagnosis. Unadjusted average weight loss (kg) was 1.6 + 4.0 at 3 months (n=373), 1.9 + 6.5 at 12 months (n=361), 1.5 + 7.8 at 18 months (n=289), and 1.4 + 8.0 at 24 months (n=279). Limitations ASPIRE-VA study was not designed or powered to detect weight loss differences among MH diagnostic groups. Conclusions Veterans achieved and maintained modest weight loss, through 24 months, with the three behavioral weight loss interventions. Contrary to our hypotheses, the amount and pattern of weight loss did not differ by MH diagnosis. Greater inclusion of individuals with MH diagnoses may be warranted in behavioral weight loss interventions not specifically tailored for them.