Initial weight loss and early intervention adherence predict long‐term weight loss during the Promoting Successful Weight Loss in Primary Care in Louisiana lifestyle intervention

Objective This study tested whether initial weight change (WC), self‐weighing, and adherence to the expected WC trajectory predict longer‐term WC in an underserved primary‐care population with obesity. Methods Data from the intervention group (n = 452; 88% women; 74% Black; BMI 37.3 kg/m2 [SD: 4.6]) of the Promoting Successful Weight Loss in Primary Care in Louisiana trial were analyzed. Initial (2‐, 4‐, and 8‐week) percentage WC was calculated from baseline clinic weights and daily at‐home weights. Weights were considered adherent if they were on the expected WC trajectory (10% at 6 months with lower [7.5%] and upper [12.5%] bounds). Linear mixed‐effects models tested whether initial WC and the number of daily and adherent weights predicted WC at 6, 12, and 24 months. Results Percentage WC during the initial 2, 4, and 8 weeks predicted percentage WC at 6 (R2 = 0.15, R2 = 0.28, and R2 = 0.50), 12 (R2 = 0.11, R2 = 0.19, and R2 = 0.32), and 24 (R2 = 0.09, R2 = 0.11, and R2 = 0.16) months (all p