Social network characteristics associated with weight loss among black and hispanic adults. (14th July 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Winston, Ginger J.; Phillips, Erica G.; Wethington, Elaine; Devine, Carol; Wells, Martin; Peterson, Janey C.; Hippolyte, Jessica; Ramos, Rosio; Martinez, Guillerma; Eldridge, Johanna; Charlson, Mary
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 23:Number 8(2015:Aug.)
• Page Start: 1570
• Page End: 1576
• Publication Date: 2015-07-14
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.21155
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="oby21155-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To examine social network member characteristics associated with weight loss.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby21155-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Methods</title> <p>A cross‐sectional examination included egocentric network data from 245 Black and Hispanic adults with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m<sup>2</sup> enrolled in a small change weight loss study. The relationships between weight loss at 12 months and characteristics of helpful and harmful network members (relationship, contact frequency, living proximity, and body size) were examined.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby21155-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>There were 2, 571 network members identified. Mean weight loss was −4.8 (±11.3) lbs. among participants with network help and no harm with eating goals vs. +3.4 (±7.8) lbs. among participants with network harm alone. In a multivariable regression model, greater weight loss was associated with help from a child with eating goals (<italic>P</italic> = 0.0002) and coworker help with physical activity (<italic>P</italic> = 0.01). Weight gain was associated with having network members with obesity living in the home (<italic>P</italic> = 0.048) and increased network size (<italic>P</italic> = 0.002).</p> </sec> <sec id="oby21155-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>There was greater weight loss among participants with support from children and coworkers. Weight gain was associated with harmful network behaviors and having network members with obesity in the home. Incorporating child and coworker support and evaluating network harm and the body size of network members should be considered in future weight loss interventions.</p> </sec> </abstract>