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Predictors of drop-out in overweight and obese outpatients

International Journal of Obesity volume 29, pages 122–128 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the impact on drop-out rates of several baseline clinical characteristics of a sample of overweight and obese outpatients.

DESIGN:

Retrospective clinical trial.

SUBJECTS:

The charts of 383 patients aged 15–82 y attending an outpatient clinic for the treatment of obesity were examined from the first clinical evaluation until 1 y of diet ambulatory treatment.

MEASUREMENTS:

We characterised the participants at baseline on the basis of their somatic characteristics, socioeconomic status, obesity-related diseases and dietary habits. The most significant factors resulting in univariate statistical analysis (waist, body mass index (BMI), full-time job, depressive syndrome, number of obesity-related diseases, daily frequency of fruit consumption) were then examined as independent variables in direct multiple logistic regression with the dependent variable drop-out.

RESULTS:

The 1-y drop-out rate was 77.3%. A total of 87 patients completed the follow-up study. The noncompleter patients had slightly lower BMI and waist circumference mean values, and they were further regularly employed in full-time jobs, while the completer patients were principally pensioners and housewives. Drop-outs had a lower number of obesity-related diseases and as a result were less depressed. By the logistic regression, full-time job is the best predictor of premature withdrawal (odds ratio=2.40). Age, gender, anthropometric measurements, lifestyle and dietary habits did not result as significant predictors of drop-out.

CONCLUSION:

The overweight and obese outpatients at higher risk of ambulatory treatment drop-out are more likely to work full hours, have less obesity-related complications and be less depressed. In our study, the full-time job condition seems to be the strongest predictor of premature withdrawal.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical and Surgical Science, Division of Geriatrics, University of Padua, Italy

    E M Inelmen, E D Toffanello, G Enzi, G Gasparini, F Miotto, G Sergi & L Busetto

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  1. E M Inelmen
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Correspondence to E M Inelmen.

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Inelmen, E., Toffanello, E., Enzi, G. et al. Predictors of drop-out in overweight and obese outpatients. Int J Obes 29, 122–128 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijo.0802846

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