Original paper
Factors influencing early discontinuation in a 3-month group weight loss program

Introduction: Over the past several decades, obesity rates have been dramatically increasing, especially in highly developed countries. Epidemiological data indicate that currently about 50% of the population is suffering from overweight or obesity. The aim of the study was to assess the external factors resulting in early resignation from a 3-month group weight loss program.

Material and methods: The study group involved 217 subjects starting a 3-month weight loss program. The num­ber of patients who resigned from the program was counted after each session. At the end of the program all the patients were asked to complete a questionnaire including questions about their level of education, marital status, working hours, distance from their place of residence, costs of travel and the level of satisfaction with the program and its effects.

Results: 46% of subjects completed the program and 56.2% responded to the questionnaire. After the first meeting, dropouts were more frequent among participants who lived far away from the place where the sessions were held (above 23.6 ± 14.6 km) and who had the highest costs of transportation (mean 6.1 euro). Relative risk of early discontinuation was 3.32, p < 0.001 for distance from the place of residence above 21.2 km, 3.60, p < 0.05 for cost of transportation over 3.1 euro and 7.23 (2.08-25.38), p = 0.002 for monthly income per household member below 234 euro. Other study factors did not influence program discontinuation.

Conclusions: Low incomes, distance from the place of residence and costs of transportation are important factors of early discontinuation of 3-month group weight loss programs in Poland.