Introduction
The aim of this study was to investigate the role of perceived stress as a predictor of eating behavior during a 3-year lifestyle intervention and weight management program. The PREVIEW (Prevention of REal world VIew of lifestyle and Weight management) program is a large, European lifestyle intervention and weight management program that has been shown to be effective in preventing weight gain and obesity-related diseases.
Methods
A total of 4,468 participants from the PREVIEW program were included in the analysis. Data on participants’ perceived stress levels, dietary intake, and body weight were collected at baseline and at 3-year follow-up.
Results
The results showed that perceived stress was significantly associated with increased energy intake, fat intake, and body weight at 3-year follow-up. Furthermore, perceived stress was a significant predictor of weight regain over the 3-year period.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that perceived stress may play a role in the development of obesity and weight regain. Therefore, interventions that aim to reduce perceived stress may be beneficial for obese individuals who are trying to lose weight and maintain their weight loss.
According to a new study, published in the journal Appetite, perceived stress may be a predictor of eating behavior during a lifestyle intervention.
The study was conducted by researchers at the University of Granada, in Spain, and included over 1,000 participants who were followed for three years. The participants were all overweight or obese, and were taking part in the PREVIEW lifestyle intervention, which included diet, physical activity and psychological support.
The researchers found that participants who perceived their stress levels to be higher at the start of the intervention were more likely to be classified as having an “abnormal” eating pattern at the end of the intervention. They also found that participants who perceived their stress levels to be lower at the start of the intervention were more likely to be classified as having a “normal” eating pattern at the end of the intervention.
The study highlights the importance of addressing perceived stress levels in overweight and obese individuals before starting a lifestyle intervention. If perceived stress can be reduced, it may help to improve the chances of success of the intervention.
