The association of motivational factors with weight loss and treatment time in a publicly funded weight management clinic

The objective of the study is to explore differences in weight loss (WL) and treatment time with having health, mobility, and/or aesthetics motivations for attempting WL. Data from 7540 adults with overweight or obesity who participated in a publicly funded weight management programme at the Wharton Medical Clinic were analysed. Patients' WL motivations were categorised into six groups: Health only; Health and Aesthetics; Health and Mobility; Health, Mobility and Aesthetics; No Health; and None. Women with Health, Mobility and Aesthetics or No Health motivations had marginally higher WL goals compared to other groups, with no differences in men. Men with Health and Aesthetics or Health and Mobility motivations showed marginally higher 6-month attendance rates. Men who discontinued after one visit were 40% less likely to have a Health and Aesthetics motivation as opposed to Health only, compared to those who continued. No differences were observed in WL between motivation groups in either sex. No correlation was found between WL goals and WL attained. Only weak correlations between treatment time and WL were observed across most motivation groups. Despite small differences in treatment time and WL goals, motivations for attempting WL were not significantly associated with differences in the WL achieved.