Towards Individual Profile Analysis for Obesity Treatment: Multivariate Analysis of Cognitive and Motivational Factors

Abstract

This is the third paper in a series dealing with the construction a diagnostic instrument for the individualization of obesity treatment, focused on cognitive and motivational factors likely to be relevant for weight reduction. A 145-item questionnaire was completed by 44 overweight subjects. Since it is likely that constellations of factors will prove to have greater predictive value than single factors, the analyses in the earlier reports were complemented with a multivariate method (Principal Component Analysis) for pattern recognition. The PC-analysis revealed patterns of covariation between variables, thus providing a basis for revising the questionnaire. Also, it was possible to distinguish groups of subjects, some of which may be characterized by presumable “high-risk profiles”. We tentatively conclude that it might be possible to create multivariate models for prediction of subgroups of patient profiles in future outcome studies.