Motivational readiness for treatment in weight control programs: The TREatment MOtivation and REadiness (TRE-MORE) test

Background and aims: The degree of motivation before starting the treatment represents a pre-treatment predictor of successful weight management. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a new self-reported questionnaire of motivation and readiness to change before starting a lifestyle modification program (the TREatment MOtivation and REadiness test) (TRE-MORE) for overweight patients. Methods and results: TRE-MORE was evaluated in a consecutive series of 129 obese patients attending our Outpatient Clinic. Validation of the questionnaire was performed through test-retest reliability, internal consistency, psycho-pathological correlates, and concurrent validity. Subjects have been evaluated by means of a clinical interview, and different self-reported questionnaires, assessing the eating specific and general psychopathology, and quality of life. TRE-MORE total and subscales scores showed good test-retest reliability and internal consistency. We identified 10 items grouped in 3 areas (obstacles and desire to overcome, taking care of themselves, and sharing the problems, current lifestyle). TRE-MORE scores were significantly correlated with eating specific psychopathology and quality of life measures. Univariate and Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analysis showed that TRE-MORE total and subscales scores represent a good model for predicting a weight loss >5% of the initial weight after 6 months of treatment. Conclusion: TRE-MORE represents a validated and easy-to-use questionnaire assessing at the meantime the treatment motivation and readiness with good predictive capacity for weight loss.