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Changes in self-efficacy and dietary adherence: the impact on weight loss in the PREFER study

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Abstract

Findings from studies examining self-efficacy and its relationship to weight loss have been inconsistent. We examined self-efficacy specific to changing eating behaviors in the PREFER trial, an 18-month behavioral weight-loss study, to determine if self-efficacy and dietary adherence were associated with weight change, and what impact self-efficacy had on weight change after controlling for adherence. Measurements included the weight efficacy lifestyle (WEL) questionnaire, body weight, self-reported fat gram intake, kilocalorie intake, and adherence to kilocalorie and fat gram goals at baseline, 6, 12, and 18 months. The sample (N = 170) was 88.2% female and 70.0% Caucasian; the mean age was 44.1 years (SD = 8.8). Mean weight loss at 18 months was 4.64% (SD = 6.24) of baseline body weight and the mean increase in self-efficacy was 11.70% (SD = 38.61). Self-efficacy improved significantly over time (p = 0.04) and was associated with weight loss (p = 0.02). Adherence to the fat gram goal was associated with weight loss (p = 0.0003), and self-efficacy remained associated with weight loss after controlling for fat gram adherence (p = 0.0001). Consistent with self-efficacy theory, improvement in self-efficacy over time supported greater weight loss. Adherence to the fat gram goal also influenced weight loss.

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Acknowledgments

This Research was supported by NIH 5R01 DK 58631, NIH F31 NR 009750. The conduct of the study was also supported by the Data Management Core of the Center for Research in Chronic Disorders NIH-NINR #P30-NR03924, the Obesity and Nutrition Research Center NIH-NIDDK #DK-046204, and the General Clinical Research Center, NIH-NCRR-GCRC #5MO1-RR00056 at the University of Pittsburgh. Clinical Trials Registration: Clinical Trials.gov, NCT00330629.

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  1. Health & Community Systems Department, University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing, 415 Victoria Building, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA

    Melanie T. Warziski, Susan M. Sereika, Mindi A. Styn, Edvin Music & Lora E. Burke

  2. Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA

    Susan M. Sereika

  3. Graduate School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, USA

    Susan M. Sereika & Lora E. Burke

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  1. Melanie T. Warziski
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Correspondence to Melanie T. Warziski.

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Warziski, M.T., Sereika, S.M., Styn, M.A. et al. Changes in self-efficacy and dietary adherence: the impact on weight loss in the PREFER study. J Behav Med 31, 81–92 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10865-007-9135-2

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