title: Measuring perceived barriers to healthful eating in obese, treatment-seeking adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To characterize perceived barriers to healthful eating in a sample of obese, treatment-seeking adults and to examine whether changes in barriers are associated with energy intake and body weight.
  
  
  METHODS
  Observational study based on findings from a randomized, controlled behavioral weight-loss trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 113 women and 100 men, mean age 48.8 years, 67% white, and mean body mass index at baseline 34.9 kg/m(2).
  
  
  METHODS
  Perceived diet barriers were assessed using a 39-item questionnaire. Energy intake was assessed with the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Body weight (kg) and height (cm) were measured.
  
  
  METHODS
  Factor-based scales constructed from exploratory factor analysis. Linear regression models regressed 12-month energy intake and body weight on baseline to 12-month factor-based score changes (α = .05).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Exploratory factor analysis yielded 3 factors: lack of knowledge, lack of control, and lack of time. Reported declines in lack of knowledge and lack of control from baseline to 12 months were associated with significantly greater energy restriction over 12 months, whereas reported declines in lack of control and lack of time were associated with significantly greater weight loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggest that declines in perceived barriers to healthful eating during treatment are associated with greater energy restriction and weight loss.
authors.affiliation: School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. welsh@umn.edu
authors.forename: Ericka M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Welsh
authors.forename: Robert W
authors.initials: RW
authors.lastname: Jeffery
authors.forename: Rona L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Levy
authors.forename: Shelby L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Langer
authors.forename: Andrew P
authors.initials: AP
authors.lastname: Flood
authors.forename: Melanie A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Jaeb
authors.forename: Patricia S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Laqua
mesh_terms: D015992:Body Mass Index; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology*; D002149:Energy Intake; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D010465:Perception; D012649:Self Concept; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D015431:Weight Loss