Are Current Health Behavioral Change Models Helpful in Guiding Prevention of Weight Gain Efforts?

Abstract

Effective procedures are needed to prevent the substantial increases in adiposity that have been occurring among children and adults. Behavioral change may occur as a result of changes in variables that mediate interventions. These mediating variables have typically come from the theories or models used to understand behavior. Seven categories of theories and models are reviewed to define the concepts and to identify the motivational mechanism(s), the resources that a person needs for change, the processes by which behavioral change is likely to occur, and the procedures necessary to promote change. Although each model has something to offer obesity prevention, the early promise can be achieved only with substantial additional research in which these models are applied to diet and physical activity in regard to obesity. The most promising avenues for such research seem to be using the latest variants of the Theory of Planned Behavior and Social Ecology. Synergy may be achieved by taking the most promising concepts from each model and integrating them for use with specific populations. Biology-based steps in an eating or physical activity event are identified, and research issues are suggested to integrate behavioral and biological approaches to understanding eating and physical activity behaviors. Social marketing procedures have much to offer in terms of organizing and strategizing behavioral change programs to incorporate these theoretical ideas. More research is needed to assess the true potential for these models to contribute to our understanding of obesity-related diet and physical activity practices, and in turn, to obesity prevention.

Heterogeneity in barriers regarding the motivation, the opportunity and the ability to choose low-calorie snack foods and beverages: associations with real-life choices

“…Rothschild's MOA framework (11) encompasses the heterogeneity in determinants by stressing the significance of both individual-level and environmental influences on behaviour. The MOA framework integrates the core concepts of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Social Ecological Models, which in combination have been identified as the most promising models for obesity prevention (41) .…”

“…Rothschild's MOA framework (11) encompasses the heterogeneity in determinants by stressing the significance of both individual-level and environmental Heterogeneity in barriers for snack choices 1585 influences on behaviour. The MOA framework integrates the core concepts of the Theory of Planned Behaviour and Social Ecological Models, which in combination have been identified as the most promising models for obesity prevention (41) . Applied to the food-choice context, the framework theorizes that when motivation, opportunity and ability for a certain dietary behaviour are sufficiently present, people will likely execute the behaviour.…”

Do you see what I see? Weight status misperception and exposure to obesity among children and adolescents

“…Accurately perceiving oneself as overweight or obese is considered an important cue for action and change and has been linked to greater motivation to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors. 14,15 Growing evidence suggests that actual weight and perception of weight status often do not coincide, and that deviations between actual and perceived weight status are more common among overweight and obese individuals. [16][17][18][19] Among overweight adults, 43% of men and 18% of women perceived themselves to be of 'healthy weight or underweight'.…”

An investigation of psychological, social and environmental correlates of obesity and weight gain in young women

“…12,13 A recent review of theoretical health behaviour models concluded that little is known about the applicability of these models to the study of obesity prevention. 12 Many existing theories have been drawn from health psychology.…”

“…12,13 A recent review of theoretical health behaviour models concluded that little is known about the applicability of these models to the study of obesity prevention. 12 Many existing theories have been drawn from health psychology. Recently, these theories have been criticized for their exclusive or primary focus on psychological influences, without considering the sociocultural and environmental contexts in which behaviours occur.…”