Abstract: The aims of this study were to identify the cognitive and behavioral predictors of dropping out and to estimate the attrition rate during
different phases of an intervention program to treat overweight and obesity in adolescents. Overweight/obese adolescents (n=156,
aged: 13?16 years; 71 male and 85 female subjects) were included in a multicomponent (diet, physical activity and psychological
support) family-based group treatment program. At baseline and after 2 months (intensive phase) and 13 months (extensive phase) of
follow-up, we measured adolescents? cognitive and behavioral dimensions, together with the parents? perception of their child?s
behavior. Of the 156 adolescents selected, 112 completed the full program (drop-out rate of 28.2%). The risk of dropping out during the
extensive phase increased by 20% for each unit increase in the adolescent?s social insecurity score (odds ratio = 1.20, 95% confidence
interval = 1.07?1.34, P = 0.002). The adolescents who had a high interoceptive awareness showed a significant decrease of 13.0% in the
probability of dropping out (odds ratio= 0.87, 95% confidence interval = 0.77?0.99, P=0.040). Adolescents? social insecurity was the main
predictor of drop-out in a multicomponent family-group-based obesity treatment program. To reduce attrition rates in these programs,
the individual?s social insecurity level needs to be reduced, whereas the family?s awareness of eating-related behavior needs adjustment.
