Weight loss and clinical characteristics of young adults patients seeking treatment at medical centers: Data from the QUOVADIS Study

Objective: To compare the clinical characteristics, attrition, weight loss, and psychological changes of young adults and adults treated at Italian medical centers. Research Methods and Procedures: 1530 individuals seeking treatment in 18 Italian medical centers (1194 females and 336 males; age, 44.6±11.0 years; BMI, 37.9±6.2 kg/m2) were evaluated. Three hundred eighty two cases (25%) were classified as young adults (age ≤ 35 years), and 1148 (75%) as adults (>35 years). Measurements were obtained at baseline and after a 12-month weight-loss program in patients compliant to follow-up. Psychological distress, binge eating, body uneasiness, and attitude towards eating were evaluated by self-administered questionnaires together with BMI changes. Weight-loss expectations and primary motivation for seeking treatment (health or improving appearance) were also recorded. Results. At baseline, young adults showed significantly higher BMI at age 20, higher weight loss expectations and body uneasiness score than adults. A significantly higher percentage of young adults than adults also reported improving appearance as the primary reason for seeking treatment. Attrition rate was significant higher in young adults (73.6% vs. 65.2% in adults, respectively; Chi-Square=9.01, p=0.003). Among completers, the mean percentage of weight loss after 12 months was significantly higher in young adults (10.9%, SD=9.8) than in adults (7.2%, SD=7.7, t=3.46; p=0.001). Young adults also had a larger improvement of psychosocial variables, compared to adults. By intention to treat, no significant difference emerged between young adults and adults on BMI change. Discussion: Obese young adults have larger weight loss and improvement of psychological distress, but higher attrition rate after 12-month of continuous care in a real world medical setting.