Characteristics of Weight Loss Trajectories in a Comprehensive Lifestyle Intervention

Objective Focusing on average weight loss (WL) from interventions provides useful efficacy data but masks large variability across patients. In this study, parameters of weight loss trajectories were determined that differentiated individuals during a 15‐week clinical lifestyle intervention. Methods Patients (n = 595) were in a fee‐for‐service WL lifestyle program with a partial meal replacement diet and lifestyle change counseling. Parameters used in latent class analyses were percent WL (%WL), weight nadir, number of weekly weight gains, maximum weekly percent weight gain, standard deviation of weekly weight changes, linear slope values, and change in slope. Results Average %WL was 9.73%. Latent class analyses revealed three groups with considerable overlap in %WL ranges but differing significantly on all trajectory parameters (Ps