Weight loss motivations: a latent class analysis approach.

Objective: To identify subgroups of adults with respect to weight loss motivations and assess factors associated with subgroup membership.

Method: A cross-sectional survey among 414 overweight/ obese employees in 12 Massachusetts high schools was conducted. Latent class analysis (LCA) defined distinct weight loss motivation classes. Multinomial logistic regression assessed participant characteristics with class membership.

Results: Three classes emerged: improving health; improving health and looking/feeling better; and improving health, looking/feeling, better and improving personal/social life. Compared to class 1, class 2 was more likely to be female and younger and class 3 was more likely to be female, younger, have children at home, and perceive themselves as very over-weight.

Conclusions: Findings can inform targeted weight loss interventions.