title: A structured intentions and action-planning intervention improves weight loss outcomes in a group weight loss program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess whether forming general behavioral intentions and implementing intentions through action plans promotes weight loss and is moderated by weight loss goals and self-efficacy.
  
  
  METHODS
  A quasi-experimental study comparing change in body mass index (BMI) for 15 months between a behavioral intentions condition (BIC), an implementation intentions condition (IIC), and a comparison condition (CC).
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten-week weight loss program delivered in weekly group meetings at community medical centers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six hundred thirty-two attendants at the weight loss program (80% of program attendants participated in the study).
  
  
  METHODS
  Weight loss program focused on lifestyle changes, augmented by two experimental conditions (vs. a comparison condition): BIC, intended use of weight loss techniques; IIC, intended use and detailed plans for two techniques. Phone follow-up was conducted 3 and 12 months later.
  
  
  METHODS
  
  
  
  RESULTS
  BMI during the program (computed on the basis of weight and height measured on a mechanical medical scale). Experimental manipulations included exposure to list of techniques (BIC/IIC) and structured planning form (IIC); independent variables were assessed with questionnaires (eating self-efficacy, weight loss goal, demographics).
  
  
  METHODS
  Linear mixed models estimating changes in BMI and their interactions with the planning interventions, goals, and self-efficacy.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants in the BIC and IIC lost 40% more weight during the 10-week program than those in the CC (1.10 and 1.11 BMI points compared with .79; ts < -2.76, ps < .01). Weight loss goals interacted with implementation intentions (t = 2.98, p < .01). Self-efficacy was unrelated to weight loss. No differences were found between conditions at 3 and 12 months after the program.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Findings revealed that forming implementation intentions promotes weight loss within a weekly program at a field setting and that its effectiveness depends on initial high goals.
authors.forename: Yael
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Benyamini
authors.forename: Rivki
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Geron
authors.forename: David M
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Steinberg
authors.forename: Nurit
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Medini
authors.forename: Liora
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Valinsky
authors.forename: Ronit
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Endevelt
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003151:Community Health Centers; D006040:Goals; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008019:Life Style; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss