The leaders of a community health clinic want to evaluate the impact of a weight loss program for clients initiated a year ago. Th e program consisted of weekly low-impact group exercise sessions offered three times a week. Clients varied greatly in their attendance at these sessions.

Program administrators decide to analyze data from the program using multiple regression. The dependent variable in the analysis is total pounds lost per client over the course of the program (WLOSS).

Program administrators have a variety of independent variables. The primary independent variable is the number of exercise sessions attended (EXERCISE). Weight (in pounds) at the start of the program (WEIGHT) is included as an independent variable, because clients diff er greatly on this measure. Age (in years) is also entered into the model (AGE). Administrators have mixed views on the effects of this variable. Some feel that younger individuals might be more motivated to lose weight, whereas others feel motivation might rise with age.

Finally, the administrators in charge of the study ask an intern to use an internet mapping tool to determine the distance (in miles) from each client’s residence to the facility (MILES). The administrators control for this variable because they believe clients who live further away from the center’s facilities may be less motivated to consistently participate in the program. After generating a regression equation, prepare a brief memo summarizing the analysis of the weight loss program.