Premium
Motivational Factors Predict Weight Loss in Rural Adults
Author(s) -
Reed Jill R.,
Yates Bernice C.,
Houfek Julia,
Briner Wayne,
Schmid Kendra K.,
Pullen Carol H.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
public health nursing
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.471
H-Index - 55
eISSN - 1525-1446
pISSN - 0737-1209
DOI - 10.1111/phn.12213
Subject(s) - weight loss , medicine , weight change , demography , analysis of variance , gerontology , young adult , physical activity , obesity , physical therapy , sociology
Objective The objective was to: (a) describe the changes over time in motivational factors of weight loss and (b) to examine predictors of weight loss in rural adults enrolled in a weight loss program. Design and Sample A longitudinal study was conducted in a convenience sample of 50 adults recruited from a rural Young Men's Christian Association. Measures Questionnaires were completed at baseline (preprogram), 1, 2 and 3 months (end of program). Results Mean age was 42.4 ( SD ± 11.8); 84% were female and mean BMI was 32.9 ( SD ± 4.3). Individuals lost an average of 12.1 pounds. Barriers to healthy eating decreased significantly over time ( p < .001). Significant predictors of weight loss included gender (β = .501, p < .001), and the amount of change between baseline and 3 months in controlled regulation (β = .270, p < .05), barriers to healthy eating (β = −0.225, p < .05), and physical activity (β = .238, p < .05) explaining 45% of the variance ( F [(8, 41] = 5.92, p < .001) in weight loss. Conclusions Rural adults were more likely to lose weight if they had higher levels of controlled regulation, if barriers were reduced, and if physical activity levels increased during the 3‐month weight loss program.