Examining social influence on participation and outcomes among a network of behavioral weight-loss intervention enrollees

Research suggests that social networks,social support,and social influence are associated with weight trajectories among treatment- and non-treatment-seeking individuals. this study examined the impact of having a social contact who participated in the same group behavioral weight-control intervention in the absence of specific social support training on women engaged in a weight-loss program. participants (n=92; 100% female; 54% black; mean age: 46±10 years; mean bmi: 38±6) were grouped based upon whether or not they reported a social contact enrolled previously/concurrently in our behavioral weight-control studies. primary outcomes were 6-month weight change and treatment adherence (session attendance and self-monitoring). half of the participants (53%) indicated that they had a social contact; black women were more likely to report a social contact than white women (67.3% versus 39.5%; p<0.01). among participants with a social contact,67% reported at least one contact as instrumental in the decision to enroll in the program. those with a contact lost more weight (5.9 versus 3.7 kg; p=0.04),attended more group sessions (74% versus 54%; p<0.01),and submitted more self-monitoring journals (69% versus 54%; p=0.01) than those without a contact. participants' weight change was inversely associated with social contacts' weight change (p=0.04). there was no association between participant and contact's group attendance or self-monitoring. social networks may be a promising vehicle for recruiting and engaging women in a behavioral weight-loss program,particularly black women. the role of a natural social contact deserves further investigation. © 2013 t. l. carson et al.