title: Challenging body weight: evidence from a community-based intervention on weight, behaviour and motivation.
abstract: The objective of this study was to examine the effectiveness of a 12 week weight loss intervention within a commercial fitness centre on body weight, moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA), dietary intake, and behavioural regulations for exercise and healthy eating. Using a quasi-experimental design, the intervention group received weekly coaching sessions and bi-weekly seminars designed to increase MVPA and improve dietary intake. Outcome variables were assessed at three time points over a six month period. Results showed a significant interaction for body weight (p = .04) and dietary changes (p < .05) following the weight loss challenge but were not maintained across the six month period. Changes in behavioural regulations favoured the intervention condition. Results imply that a 12 week weight loss challenge within a commercial fitness centre may be effective at prompting short-term weight loss and support the internalization of behavioural regulations specific to healthy eating and exercise.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Human Kinetics , Okanagan College , Kelowna , Canada.
authors.forename: Louise T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Blais
authors.affiliation: b Behavioural Health Sciences Research Lab, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology , Brock University , St. Catharines , Canada.
authors.forename: Diane E
authors.initials: DE
authors.lastname: Mack
authors.affiliation: b Behavioural Health Sciences Research Lab, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, Department of Kinesiology , Brock University , St. Catharines , Canada.
authors.forename: Philip M
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: c Department of Medicine, Centre for Clinical Research, QEII Health Sciences Centre , Dalhousie University , Halifax , Canada.
authors.forename: Chris M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Blanchard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019058:Community Networks; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D020446:Fitness Centers; D015438:Health Behavior; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity; D015431:Weight Loss; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Organismic Integration Theory; Weight loss challenge; body weight; dietary intake; moderate to vigorous physical activity