Changes in Self-Efficacy for Exercise and Improved Nutrition Fostered by Increased Self-Regulation Among Adults With Obesity

Abstract

Behavioral theory suggests that treatments that increase participants' use of self-regulatory skills and/or their feelings of ability (self-efficacy) will improve exercise and nutrition behaviors. In addition, psychosocial factors associated with increased exercise may carry over to improved eating. Self-regulation might enhance self-efficacy through feelings of ability to manage barriers to maintaining weight-loss behaviors. Sedentary adults with severe or morbid obesity (M age = 43 years; M BMI = 40.1 kg/m(2)) participated in a 6-month study within a community-based YMCA center. We randomly assigned participants to one of the two groups that incorporated the same cognitive-behavioral support of exercise paired with methods for controlled, healthy eating emphasizing either (a) self-efficacy (n = 138), or (b) self-regulation (n = 136) methods. Mixed model repeated measures ANOVAs indicated significant improvements in exercise- and eating-related self-regulation over 3 months, and exercise- and eating-related self-efficacy over 6 months. The Self-Regulation Treatment Group demonstrated greater improvements in self-regulation for eating and fruit and vegetable intake than the Self-Efficacy Group. Regression analyses indicated that for both exercise and eating, self-regulation change significantly predicted self-efficacy change. In separate equations, changes in exercise and fruit and vegetable intake mediated those relationships, and change in self-efficacy and the corresponding behavioral changes demonstrated reciprocal, mutually reinforcing, relationships. There was evidence of carry-over, or generalization, of both self-regulation and self-efficacy changes from an exercise context to an eating context. We discussed findings in terms of leveraging self-regulation to improve self-efficacy, and provide a rationale for why exercise is the strongest predictor of success with weight loss. Results may be used to inform future behavioral weight-management treatments through improved knowledge of relationships among theoretically derived psychosocial factors.

Eating behaviors and weight loss outcomes in a 12-month randomized trial of diet and/or exercise intervention in postmenopausal women

“…This is valuable given that completing moderate amounts of regular exercise can reportedly positively influence mood, self-efficacy, and use of self-regulatory skills (e.g. cognitive restructuring; stimulus control) – three theory-based factors shown to be key predictors of controlled eating and weight-loss success [15, 50]. Yet, we saw no effect of the exercise alone intervention (225 mins/wk.…”

“…Group-based behavioral weight loss has been shown to reduce binge eating frequency in adults with obesity and binge eating disorder [12], while “spill over” and indirect effects of exercise have been observed on improvements in emotional eating among women with obesity [13, 14]. These changes were, at least in part, attributable to generalization of self-regulation and self-efficacy changes from an exercise context to an eating context [15]. A recent meta-analysis showed no effect of dietary weight loss on psychological stress [16]; however favorable changes in perceived stress, depression and social support have been reported in weight loss and exercise interventions, including among participants of the Nutrition and Exercise in Women (NEW) trial [17] examined in the present study, and could play a mediating role between lifestyle changes and eating behaviors.…”

Diet and physical activity changes among low-income families: perspectives of mothers and their children

“…Selfefficacy is defined as the individual's confidence in their ability to achieve a targeted behaviour (Baranowski & Hearn, 1997). For example, higher self-efficacy has been linked to greater weight loss, and healthier eating among adults and youth (Anderson-Bill, Winett, & Wojcik, 2011;Anderson, Winett, & Wojcik, 2007;Annesi, Johnson, & McEwen, 2015;Fitzgerald, Heary, Kelly, Nixon, & Shevlin, 2013;Larsen, McArdle, Robertson, & Dunton, 2015). Outcome expectation is defined as what the individual expects to happen if they modify their behaviour (Baranowski & Hearn, 1997).…”

Coaction Between Physical Activity and Fruit and Vegetable Intake in Racially Diverse, Obese Adults

“…17 Indeed, some initial studies have shown that within the context of WMPs, self-efficacy developed for PA can be carried over to self-efficacy for healthy eating. 9,17,26,39 Therefore, there is a need to better understand coaction both at the psychological and behavioral levels 40 so that researchers can design more effective, long-lasting WMPs that address each behavior when it is most appropriate within the course of treatment.…”