Metrics for weight management success: an examination of the lifestyle score

Multiple weight loss attempts, and weight regain are common. Various lifestyle changes are often required for success, but just diet and exercise are often promoted. The amount of lifestyle changes needed for successful weight management is still unclear. Lifestyle metrics, such as the Lifestyle Score (LS) of The Lifestyle Questionnaire for Weight Management (LQ-WM), may provide clarification and predict success rates. The range of possible scores on this measure is from -49 to 77, where higher scores suggest healthier lifestyles. Hypotheses are that higher lifestyle scores will be found with successful weight management outcomes. Method: 1,007 online participants completed the LQ-WM and other items related to weight management. Results: 90.7% (39/43) of participants with an LS of 50 + reported successful weight loss, while just 5% (2/40) reported weight regain. 35.7% (20/56) of those with LS below zero reported weight loss success, and 39.4% (13/33) reported weight regain. Significant (p < .001) mean LS differences existed between those with healthy BMI versus the obese range (m = 22.2, SD = 15.51; m = 6.70, SD = 15.97) and those reporting success versus those not reporting success (m = 26.92, SD = 17.03; m = 13.68, SD = 14.95). Discussion and Conclusions: Future studies should employ more diverse samples and use causal designs. The LS from the LQ-WM may be a helpful tool in research and clinical interactions to raise patients' awareness of behavioral patterns, increase the likelihood of success, and prevent future weight gain.