title: Motivational Factors Predict Weight Loss in Rural Adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective was to: (a) describe the changes over time in motivational factors of weight loss and (b) to examine predictors of weight loss in rural adults enrolled in a weight loss program.
  
  
  METHODS
  A longitudinal study was conducted in a convenience sample of 50 adults recruited from a rural Young Men's Christian Association.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaires were completed at baseline (preprogram), 1, 2 and 3 months (end of program).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mean age was 42.4 (SD ± 11.8); 84% were female and mean BMI was 32.9 (SD ± 4.3). Individuals lost an average of 12.1 pounds. Barriers to healthy eating decreased significantly over time (p < .001). Significant predictors of weight loss included gender (β = .501, p < .001), and the amount of change between baseline and 3 months in controlled regulation (β = .270, p < .05), barriers to healthy eating (β = -0.225, p < .05), and physical activity (β = .238, p < .05) explaining 45% of the variance (F[(8, 41] = 5.92, p < .001) in weight loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Rural adults were more likely to lose weight if they had higher levels of controlled regulation, if barriers were reduced, and if physical activity levels increased during the 3-month weight loss program.
authors.affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Kearney, NE.
authors.forename: Jill R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Reed
authors.affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.
authors.forename: Bernice C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Yates
authors.affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.
authors.forename: Julia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Houfek
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Ashford University, San Diego, CA.
authors.forename: Wayne
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Briner
authors.affiliation: Department of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.
authors.forename: Kendra K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Schmid
authors.affiliation: University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE.
authors.forename: Carol H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Pullen
keywords: motivation; obesity; rural adults; self-monitoring; weight loss