Psychosocial Factors Related to Physical Activity and Weight Loss in Overweight Women

Abstract

This study examined whether psychosocial factors related to physical activity in overweight, previously sedentary women were affected by a 6-month behavioral weight loss program. In addition, these psychosocial factors were examined across levels of weight loss and self-reported physical activity in response to a weight loss intervention. Data from 165 overweight (body mass index (BMI) = 32.7 +/- 4.2 kg.m(-2)) women (age = 37.6 +/- 5.5 yr) who participated in a comprehensive behavioral weight loss program that included behavioral education, moderate caloric restriction, and progressive home-based exercise were examined. Body weight was assessed at 0 and 6 months. Perceived benefits and barriers, physical activity self-efficacy, and physical activity processes of change were assessed at 0 and 6 months. Physical activity (minutes per week of at least moderate-intensity activity) was assessed using the 7-Day Physical Activity Recall at 0 and 6 months. The intervention resulted in increases in physical activity self-efficacy, behavioral processes of change, and several cognitive processes of change(P < 0.05). There was a reduction in expected barriers for physical activity (P < 0.05). Individuals with > or = 10% weight loss reported higher levels of physical activity self-efficacy, greater use of behavioral strategies to elicit social support, and fewer barriers to physical activity than those with lower levels of physical activity and less weight loss (P < 0.05). Individuals reporting higher levels of exercise also reported higher levels of physical activity self-efficacy, greater use of behavioral strategies, and fewer barriers to physical activity than those individuals with lower levels of physical activity (P < 0.05). Targeting self-efficacy, behavioral strategies, and barriers in weight management programs may improve physical activity, which may result in improved weight loss in overweight adults.