title: Changes in self-efficacy and dietary adherence: the impact on weight loss in the PREFER study.
abstract: Findings from studies examining self-efficacy and its relationship to weight loss have been inconsistent. We examined self-efficacy specific to changing eating behaviors in the PREFER trial, an 18-month behavioral weight-loss study, to determine if self-efficacy and dietary adherence were associated with weight change, and what impact self-efficacy had on weight change after controlling for adherence. Measurements included the weight efficacy lifestyle (WEL) questionnaire, body weight, self-reported fat gram intake, kilocalorie intake, and adherence to kilocalorie and fat gram goals at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. The sample (N = 170) was 88.2% female and 70.0% Caucasian; the mean age was 44.1 years (SD = 8.8). Mean weight loss at 18 months was 4.64% (SD = 6.24) of baseline body weight and the mean increase in self-efficacy was 11.70% (SD = 38.61). Self-efficacy improved significantly over time (p = 0.04) and was associated with weight loss (p = 0.02). Adherence to the fat gram goal was associated with weight loss (p = 0.0003), and self-efficacy remained associated with weight loss after controlling for fat gram adherence (p = 0.0001). Consistent with self-efficacy theory, improvement in self-efficacy over time supported greater weight loss. Adherence to the fat gram goal also influenced weight loss.
authors.affiliation: Health & Community Systems Department, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 415 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA. mtw8@pitt.edu
authors.forename: Melanie T
authors.initials: MT
authors.lastname: Warziski
authors.forename: Susan M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Sereika
authors.forename: Mindi A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Styn
authors.forename: Edvin
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Music
authors.forename: Lora E
authors.initials: LE
authors.lastname: Burke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D018752:Diet, Fat-Restricted; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D014676:Diet, Vegetarian; D004041:Dietary Fats / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002149:Energy Intake; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D004041:Dietary Fats