Obesity Related Eating Behaviors and Weight Loss Maintenance.

Background: This study examined the differences between maintainers and regainers regarding obesity related eating behaviors. A secondary objective was to develop an eating behavior index predicting the likelihood of successful weight loss maintenance. Methods: : The current cross-sectional evaluation was based on the Cypriot cohort of the MedWeight study (Greece). Eligible participants (maintainers=145; regainers=87) were adult men and women who reported being at least overweight (BMI ≥25 kg/m²) and experienced an intentional weight loss of ≥10% of their maximum weight, at least 1 year before participation. Among other assessments, obesity-related behaviors were evaluated through a Healthy Eating Behavior Index (HEBI). Results: : Statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed regarding meals per day (P=0.008), frequency of eating home cooked meals (P=0.004) and HEBI total score (P=0.022). Results from logistic regression models indicated that the odds of maintaining weight loss increase at 23% (Model 1: P<0.05, OR 1.230, 1.062-1.424 95% C.I., Model 2: P<0.05, OR 1.233, 1.064-1.428 95% C.I.) and to almost 30% after adjusting for physical activity (Model 3: P<0.05, OR 1.293, 1.077-1.552 95% C.I.) for each point scored in HEBI total score. Conclusions: Eating more frequently home cooked meals and less eating away from home meals may be beneficially associated with weight loss maintenance. HEBI seems as a useful tool when dealing with patients who have previously lost significant weight.