Understanding the selection of support partners in a behavioral weight loss program

Abstract

Objective

Engaging a support partner during behavioral weight loss (BWL) programs can improve outcomes. However, little information is available about those selected as support partners. The study aimed to (1) characterize support partners and qualities of the relationship, (2) assess differences in relationship dynamics across relationship types, and (3) assess differences in supportive relationships by participant gender.

Methods and Measures

Upon entering a 24-month BWL program, participants (N = 323) nominated a support person from their existing social networks. Participants completed self-report measures at baseline, including the Working Alliance Inventory and study-specific measures assessing characteristics of the support person and comfort in communicating with them.

Results

Spouse/partners were chosen by 43.3% of all participants. Among married participants, 80.9% of men and 53.8% of women chose their spouse/partner. Working alliance was lower when the support partner was a spouse/partner versus a friend (p < 0.05, r = −0.19). Comfort talking about exercise with a support partner was higher than talking about eating or weight (p < 0.001, η²_p= 0.05).

Conclusion

A variety of friends and family can be selected as support partners during BWL. Programs should attend to the unique needs of men versus women when identifying sources of support.

Keywords:

• Weight loss
• overweight
• obesity
• social support
• social influence

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, NC, upon reasonable request.

Notes

1 Aim 3 was modified in this manuscript relative to the preregistration. Aim 3 was originally designed to explore the relationship between behavioral outcomes (calorie intake, weight, exercise) and characteristics of the supportive relationship. After further consideration of the literature in preparing this project, it became apparent that there was strong theoretical support for gender differences in the use of social support during weight loss. Authors felt there was more clinical utility to the new Aim 3 than there was for exploring cross-sectional relationships between behavioral data and concurrent support characteristics prior to starting treatment. This change in aims was done prior to statistical analyses and was not based on what aim provided significant findings.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases under Grant number: R01DK129300.