Relations of self-regulation and self-efficacy for exercise and eating and BMI change: A field investigation

James J Annesi,Srinivasa Gorjala

doi:10.1186/1751-0759-4-10

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study aimed to assess relations of self-regulatory skill use with self-efficacy for exercise and appropriate eating, and the resulting change in weight associated with participation in a nutrition and exercise treatment supported by cognitive-behavioral methods.MethodsAdults with severe obesity (N = 95; mean BMI = 40.5 ± 3.9 kg/m2) participated in a 6-month exercise and nutrition treatment emphasizing self-regulatory skills. Changes in self-regulatory skills usage, self-efficacy, overall mood, and BMI were measured. Relations of changes in self-regulatory skill use and self-efficacy, for both physical activity and appropriate eating, were assessed, as was the possibility of mood change being a mediator of these relationships. Indirect effects of the variables associated with the present treatment on BMI change were then estimated.ResultsFor both exercise and appropriate eating, changes in self-regulation were associated with self-efficacy change. Mood change partially mediated the relationship between changes in self-regulation for appropriate eating and self-efficacy for appropriate eating. Self-efficacy changes for physical activity and controlled eating, together, explained a significant portion of the variance in BMI change (R2 = 0.26, p < 0.001). The total indirect effect of the treatment on BMI change was 0.20.ConclusionFindings suggest that training in self-regulation for exercise and eating may benefit self-efficacy and weight-loss outcomes. Thus, these variables should be considered in both the theory and behavioral treatment of obesity.

Highlights

Results of standard weight-loss treatments have been disappointing [1]
For both exercise and appropriate eating, changes in self-regulation were associated with self-efficacy change
Mood change partially mediated the relationship between changes in self-regulation for appropriate eating and self-efficacy for appropriate eating

Summary

Introduction

Results of standard weight-loss treatments have been disappointing [1]. regular exercise and appropriate eating will manage weight, individuals are not typically able to successfully negotiate common barriers such as time pressures, discomfort, and social pressures, over time, and typically regain any weight lost in short order [2]. Because low mood has been shown to be associated with reduced use of self-regulatory skills and perceptions of self-efficacy [10], and positive changes in mood may promote a “healthier psychological climate” that enhances confidence in pursuing weight management behaviors [[11], p 320], the established effects of exercise program participation on improved mood [12] may mediate (significantly reduce or cancel out the relationship between two variables by its entry) this relationship. It has been suggested that treatments should first be based on accepted theory, and their effects decomposed to determine if changes in variables consistent with the theory predicted outcomes as expected [13] Such a thorough analytic approach has often been lacking in weight-loss research

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Conclusion