title: Psychological factors associated with weight loss in obese and severely obese women in a behavioral physical activity intervention.
abstract: The behavioral processes of weight reduction are poorly understood, and responses to treatments based primarily on caloric restriction have been unfavorable. A theory-based path derived from proposed relations of physical activity, changes in psychological factors, and weight loss was separately tested with women with Class I and Class II obesity (body mass index [BMI] from 30 to 39.9 kg/m(2); n = 116), and Class III (BMI > or = 40.0 kg/m(2); n = 57) obesity. Participation in a cognitive-behavioral exercise support treatment along with nutrition education was significantly associated with changes in measures of self-efficacy, body satisfaction, and mood. Changes did not significantly differ by BMI group. Multiple regression analyses indicated that changes in the psychological factors explained 14% (Class I/II obesity group) and 22% (Class III obesity group) of the variance in exercise session attendance, and attendance was strongly related to weight loss. Implications for weight loss theory and treatment are discussed.
authors.affiliation: YMCA of Metropolitan Atlanta, Georgia 30303, USA. jamesa@ymcaatlanta.org
authors.forename: James J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Annesi
authors.forename: Ann C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Whitaker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D015992:Body Mass Index; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D052756:Nutritional Sciences / Q000193:education; D009765:Obesity / Q000145:classification / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D012043:Regression, Psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012944:Social Support; D015431:Weight Loss