Predicting treatment attendance and weight loss: Assessing the psychometric properties and predictive validity of the Dieting Readiness Test

The Dieting Readiness Test (DRT) has been recommended by the Institute of Medicine as a measure of diet and exercise-related motivation and attitudes in those about to embark on a weight loss program. However, little research is available regarding the psychometric properties of this instrument. We conducted a study to assess the psychometric properties and predictive validity of the DRT. A group of 410 obese adults seeking outpatient treatment at a university-based weight management center completed the DRT prior to engaging in a comprehensive medically monitored program. Principal-components factor analysis indicated a five-factor solution and acceptable internal consistency for the resulting scales. The Bingeing and Eating cues scale was negatively associated with program attendance. None of the four remaining scales correlated with either attendance or weight loss. We conclude that although the DRT possesses a stable and interpretable structure and adequate internal consistency, it does not appear to be a strong predictor of weight loss or treatment attendance.