title: The impact of self-efficacy on behavior change and weight change among overweight participants in a weight loss trial.
abstract: Despite considerable clinical interest, attempts to link perceived self-efficacy with successful weight control have had mixed success. Definitive data on prospective associations between self-efficacy and weight loss are particularly sparse. This study examined relationships between self-efficacy beliefs, weight control behaviors, and weight change among individuals participating in a weight loss trial (N = 349, 87% women). Cross-sectionally, eating and exercise self-efficacy beliefs were strongly associated with corresponding weight loss behaviors. Self-efficacy beliefs prospectively predicted weight control behavior and weight change during active treatment but not during follow-up. Mediational models indicate that people's weight control behaviors mediate the impact of self-efficacy on weight change.
authors.affiliation: Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, Minneapolis, MN 54454-1015, USA. linde@epi.umn.edu
authors.forename: Jennifer A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Linde
authors.forename: Alexander J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Rothman
authors.forename: Austin S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Baldwin
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Jeffery
mesh_terms: D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008910:Minnesota; D050177:Overweight; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss