title: Obesity-related beliefs predict weight loss after an 8-week low-calorie diet.
abstract: The objective of this study was to examine whether beliefs about the cause, consequences, time line, and control of obesity are predictors of the amount of weight loss after an 8-week, low-calorie diet consisting of meal replacements. Forty-eight women and 18 men, mean age=45.9 (range=23 to 73 years) years and body mass index between 30 and 50 participated in a weight-loss program. Beliefs were measured at baseline by the Obesity Cognition Questionnaire and by an eating behavior self-efficacy scale. Correlational and regression analyses were performed to examine whether beliefs predicted weight change. Changes in body mass index, waist circumference, and blood pressure were significant (P <.001). Less weight reduction was associated with poor self-efficacy (r =-0.34, P <.01) and the beliefs that obesity had a physical origin (r =0.27, P =.04) and was not under behavioral control (r =-0.25, P =.04). Self-efficacy remained a significant predictor in regression analysis. The results suggest that the outcome of dietary interventions may be improved when adjusting beliefs, especially self-efficacy.
authors.affiliation: University Medical Center Utrecht, 3508 GA Utrecht, The Netherlands. E.Wamsteker@UMCUtrecht.nl
authors.forename: Erika W
authors.initials: EW
authors.lastname: Wamsteker
authors.forename: Rinie
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Geenen
authors.forename: Jolein
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Iestra
authors.forename: Junilla K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Larsen
authors.forename: Pierre M J
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Zelissen
authors.forename: Wija A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: van Staveren
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D012044:Regression Analysis; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015431:Weight Loss