Identifying Ecological and Personal Factors that Prevent Obese Individuals from Effectively Losing Weight

35.1% of the US adult population is classified as obese, and a total of 69% are either overweight or obese (CDC, 2014). Individuals in this classification often seek treatment for personal or medical reasons. The most prevalent treatment modality is dietary restriction; however, it is important to note that 33-83% of dieters regain more weight than had originally lost (Mann et al., 2007; Swanson & Dinello, 1970). Chronic dieting may cause sarcopenia, which is characterized by significant loss of lean body mass, which results in lower resting energy needs, and slower weight loss. This research project aims to create a screening tool that allows healthcare professionals to determine whether patients will easily lose weight or not. With this screening tool, a more individualized treatment plan can be created, which will ultimately increase the healthcare provider\u27s successful treatment of patients. To study this phenomenon, 19 subjects have completed the study, 14 in the control group and 5 in the experimental group. Subjects have completed Resting Energy Expenditure, BodPod, and bioelectrical impedance along with a three-day diet analysis and a recreation engagement survey. Currently, preliminary results are unavailable because we are collecting data to meet our goal of 40 participants. However, we anticipate the results of this study would eliminate the need for a full body assessment and make the process of finding out whether the participant was an easy or difficult weight loser, faster, more cost effective, and able to be easily repeated in frontline healthcare practices across the nation