Health Psychology, Vol 42(5), May 2023, 314-324; doi:10.1037/hea0001282
Objective: Young adults (YAs) are at high risk for weight gain and show high variability in treatment response. Life events and high perceived stress are common in YAs and could drive less favorable outcomes. The goal was to examine whether life events and stress were related to program engagement and weight outcomes in a weight gain prevention trial for YAs. Method: Secondary analysis from the Study of Novel Approaches to Weight Gain Prevention (SNAP), a randomized clinical trial (N = 599, 18–35 years, BMI 21–30 kg/m²). Both intervention arms received 10 in-person sessions over 4 months, with long-term contact via web and SMS. Participants completed the CARDIA life events survey and Cohen Perceived Stress Scale-4 at 0 and 4 months; weight was objectively measured at 0, 4 months, and 1, 2, 3, and 4 years. Results: Participants who experienced more life events prior to study entry had lower session attendance (p