Body Image and Eating Self-Regulation in Weight Management for Women
Author Information
Author(s): Eliana V Carraça, Marlene N Silva, David Markland, Paulo N Vieira, Cláudia S Minderico, Luís B Sardinha, Pedro J Teixeira
Primary Institution: Faculty of Human Kinetics, Technical University of Lisbon
Hypothesis
Improving body image mediates the effects of obesity treatment on eating self-regulation.
Conclusion
Improving body image, especially by reducing its importance in personal life, enhances eating self-regulation during weight control.
Supporting Evidence
- The model explained 18-44% of the variance in the dependent variables.
- Treatment significantly improved both body image components.
- Eating behavior was positively predicted by investment body image change.
- Treatment had significant effects on 12-month eating behavior change.
- Investment body image change had a greater effect on eating self-regulation than evaluative body image.
Takeaway
This study shows that feeling better about your body can help you eat better when trying to lose weight.
Methodology
Participants were 239 overweight women in a 12-month behavioral weight management program with a body image module, assessed at baseline and 12 months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported measures and the specific demographic of participants.
Limitations
The study cannot exclude the possibility of alternative causal relations between body image and eating self-regulation.
Participant Demographics
Overweight or obese Portuguese women, aged 25-50, with a BMI between 25-40 kg/m2.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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