Abstract Details

Title Stages and Processes of Change for Weight Loss in Acute Stroke or TIA Patients Living with Obesity

Topic Cerebrovascular Disease and Interventional Neurology

Presentation(s) P6 - Poster Session 6 (5:30 PM-6:30 PM)

Poster/Presentation
Number 6-019

Background Weight loss is recommended for patients living with obesity in the secondary prevention of stroke. Few studies, however, have examined the stages and processes of change for weight loss in stroke patients living with obesity.

Objective To evaluate the stages and processes of change for weight loss in patients living with obesity who have had a recent stroke or TIA.

Design/Methods Using a validated questionnaire, we assessed each patient’s stage of behavioral change according to the transtheoretical model (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, and maintenance). We also examined 4 processes of behavioral change, which quantify activities and experiences that patients undergo on the way to behavioral change: emotional reevaluation (EMR), weight management action (WMA), weight consequence evaluation, and supporting relationships. Process scores were compared between patients in the action and maintenance stages and those in the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages.

Results 44 patients met inclusion/exclusion criteria: 6 (14%) were in the precontemplation stage of change, 7 (16%) were in contemplation, 2 (5%) were in preparation, 13 (30%) were in action, and 16 (36%) were in maintenance. Those in the action and maintenance stages accounted for the majority of participants (n = 29, 66%). Patients in the action and maintenance stages (N = 29) had higher EMR scores (mean 79, SD 13 vs. mean 68, SD 19, t = 2.0, p = 0.03) and WMA scores (mean 69, SD 13 vs. mean 59, SD 19, t = 2.0, p = 0.03) as compared to those in the precontemplation, contemplation, and preparation stages (N = 15).

Conclusions Without counseling or specific intervention, two-thirds of stroke/TIA patients living with obesity are in the action or maintenance stage of behavior change with respect to weight loss. Patients who score higher in EMR and WMA are more likely to be in the action or maintenance stage of change.

Authors/Disclosures
Mitchell Wilson, MD (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center) PRESENTER	Dr. Wilson has nothing to disclose.
Hailey A. Orgass, PA (NYP Weill Cornell Medical Center)	No disclosure on file
Jennifer L. Dearborn-Tomazos, MD (Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center)	An immediate family member of Dr. Dearborn-Tomazos has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of PTC Therapeutics. An immediate family member of Dr. Dearborn-Tomazos has received personal compensation for serving as an employee of Alexion Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Dearborn-Tomazos has received personal compensation in the range of $10,000-$49,999 for serving as a Consultant for Qmetis. An immediate family member of Dr. Dearborn-Tomazos has stock in Alexion Pharmacueticals. The institution of Dr. Dearborn-Tomazos has received research support from BMS.