title: Body image change and improved eating self-regulation in a weight management intervention in women.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Successful weight management involves the regulation of eating behavior. However, the specific mechanisms underlying its successful regulation remain unclear. This study examined one potential mechanism by testing a model in which improved body image mediated the effects of obesity treatment on eating self-regulation. Further, this study explored the role of different body image components.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were 239 overweight women (age: 37.6 ± 7.1 yr; BMI: 31.5 ± 4.1 kg/m²) engaged in a 12-month behavioral weight management program, which included a body image module. Self-reported measures were used to assess evaluative and investment body image, and eating behavior. Measurements occurred at baseline and at 12 months. Baseline-residualized scores were calculated to report change in the dependent variables. The model was tested using partial least squares analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The model explained 18-44% of the variance in the dependent variables. Treatment significantly improved both body image components, particularly by decreasing its investment component (f² = .32 vs. f² = .22). Eating behavior was positively predicted by investment body image change (p < .001) and to a lesser extent by evaluative body image (p < .05). Treatment had significant effects on 12-month eating behavior change, which were fully mediated by investment and partially mediated by evaluative body image (effect ratios: .68 and .22, respectively).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Results suggest that improving body image, particularly by reducing its salience in one's personal life, might play a role in enhancing eating self-regulation during weight control. Accordingly, future weight loss interventions could benefit from proactively addressing body image-related issues as part of their protocols.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Human Kinetics, Technical University of Lisbon, Estrada da Costa, 1495-688 Cruz Quebrada, Portugal.
authors.forename: Eliana V
authors.initials: EV
authors.lastname: Carraça
authors.forename: Marlene N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Markland
authors.forename: Paulo N
authors.initials: PN
authors.lastname: Vieira
authors.forename: Cláudia S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Minderico
authors.forename: Luís B
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Sardinha
authors.forename: Pedro J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Teixeira
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight; D004032:Diet; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005518:Food Preferences; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D057566:Self Report; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs