Change in behavioral exercise program-associated self-regulation enhances self-regulation-induced eating improvements across levels of obesity severity

Publication date: Available online 29 April 2019Source: Evaluation and Program PlanningAuthor(s): James J AnnesiAbstractArchitects of behavioral weight-loss programs require improved understandings of psychosocial correlates of healthy eating behaviors to improve overwhelmingly poor outcomes. Exercise might benefit eating changes through a transfer of self-regulatory skill improvements. However, related research is minimal, and degrees of obesity might influence the utilization and efficacy of self-regulatory processes. Women of Class 1 obesity (body mass index [BMI] = 30–34.9 kg/m2; n = 53), Class 2 obesity (BMI = 35–39.9 kg/m2; n = 41), and Class 3 obesity (BMI ≥ 40 kg/m2; n = 53) enrolled in a community-based cognitive-behavioral weight-management program were assessed over 6 months on changes in exercise, self-regulation for both exercise and eating, and the consumption of fruits/vegetables and sweets. Within-group improvements were all significant, with the greater self-regulation changes consistent with lower degrees of obesity. Within serial multiple mediation analyses, the hypothesized path from exercise change→self-regulation for exercise change→self-regulation for eating change→eating behavior change was supported in both the prediction of changes in fruit/vegetable intake and sweets consumption. However, the direct effect of increased exercise on improved eating was not significant. BMI score or obesity class did not signif...
Source: Evaluation and Program Planning - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: research