Endocrine Abstracts

Background: Most obesity management programs use short term weight loss as the main monitoring parameter. Change in weight can be a misleading measure as it can be impacted by various factors and most participants regain weight after exiting such programs¹. The aim of this project is to assess the efficacy of focusing on self-selected, non-weight loss goals in encouraging long term obesity management.

Methods: From December 2022 to April 2023, 4 "Enhance obesity education sessions" were delivered online. All sessions were delivered on zoom and recorded then uploaded to the Program’s landing page. The program was set-up based on the Transtheoretical Model of Cycle of Change, educating patients on obesity, healthy lifestyle and how to create their personalized SMART goal. Participants submitted pre- and post- program survey to monitor their adherence to their chosen healthy lifestyle goal.

Results: In total, out of 41 participants, 6(14%) filled the post-program questionnaire. On average, participants’ confidence in attaining set goals increased by 67%(P=0.04). Participants scored the ability to stick to their SMART goal during the program 7.57/10 and the effectiveness of the SMART goal model 8.57/10. While weight loss was not a focus, 2 participants (29%) lost weight. 100% of the participants “strongly agreed”/“agreed” the program “helped understand obesity and its management”, “helped build an achievable goal”, and “helped focus on aspects of obesity other than weight loss”, “helped develop a sustainable healthy lifestyle”, and “tailored to needs and priorities”. 86% of participants “strongly agreed”/“agreed” the program: “helped participants stay consistent with their goal”

Conclusion: Non-weight based, self-selected healthy goals are an effective way of encouraging participants to maintain sustainable healthy lifestyle choices. By allowing participants to focus on their chosen goal and tailoring care accordingly, obesity management is easier to achieve and sustain.