1
|
Sedemedes K, Knäuper B, Sadikaj G, Yuan TY, Wrosch C, Santosa S, Alberga AS, Kakinami L. Compensatory health motivations and behaviors scale: Development, evaluation, psychometric properties and a preliminary validation. Appetite 2023; 191:107075. [PMID: 37804879 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2023.107075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
The "Compensatory Health Beliefs" scale assesses the degree to which one believes that unhealthy behaviours can be compensated through healthier ones. However, no validated scale to assess compensatory weight-related behaviors exists. The study's objective was to develop (Study 1) and validate (Study 2) a questionnaire measuring compensatory health motivations and behaviors (CHMB) and to assess their associations with body mass index (BMI) and psychological weight-related measures. An initial 34-item measure was constructed based on a target sample's (Study 1, n = 158) suggestions and refined based on expert feedback. The measure was then tested in a representative Canadian adult sample (N = 1400, 48.7% male). The sample was stratified by sex and age and then randomly split into two (N = 701 for exploratory factor analysis; N = 699 for confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) cross-validation). Fit indices, standardized Cronbach's alphas and the associations between the CHMB model with cognitive restraint, weight concerns, and BMI were assessed in multiple linear regression models controlling for age and sex. The final CHMB model (n = 17 items) consisted of four subscales: (1) motivation, (2) use on special occasions, (3) general use, (4) compensatory health beliefs. Fit indices (Goodness of Fit Index = 0.922) and Cronbach's alphas were good (α = 0.88). In multiple linear regression models, all CHMB subscales were associated with greater cognitive restraint in eating. Compensatory behavior use on special occasions was associated with greater weight concern (B = 0.12, p < .0001), while general compensatory behavior use was associated with lower weight concern (B = -0.07, p < .05). None of the subscales were associated with BMI. The validated CHMB scale allows for the assessment of compensatory health motivations and behaviors in a Canadian population. Research on whether this scale can predict weight changes and general health is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kalista Sedemedes
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Bärbel Knäuper
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Gentiana Sadikaj
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 2001 McGill College Avenue, Montreal, QC, H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Trista Yue Yuan
- Faculty of Land and Food Systems, Food, Nutrition and Health, University of British Columbia, 248-2357 Main Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Carsten Wrosch
- Department of Psychology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Sylvia Santosa
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada; School of Health, Concordia University, 7200 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada; Metabolism, Obesity, Nutrition Lab, School of Health, Concordia University, 7200 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Angela S Alberga
- Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada; School of Health, Concordia University, 7200 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada
| | - Lisa Kakinami
- School of Health, Concordia University, 7200 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, QC, H4B 1R6, Canada; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Concordia University, 1455 de Maisonneuve West, Montreal, QC, H3G 1M8, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Hahn SL, Bauer KW, Kaciroti N, Eisenberg D, Lipson SK, Sonneville KR. Relationships between patterns of weight-related self-monitoring and eating disorder symptomology among undergraduate and graduate students. Int J Eat Disord 2021; 54:595-605. [PMID: 33399230 PMCID: PMC8549082 DOI: 10.1002/eat.23466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To characterize patterns of weight-related self-monitoring (WRSM) among US undergraduate and graduate students and examine associations between identified patterns of WRSM and eating disorder symptomology. METHOD Undergraduate and graduate students from 12 US colleges and universities (N = 10,010) reported the frequency with which they use WRSM, including self-weighing and dietary self-monitoring. Eating disorder symptomology was assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire. Gender-specific patterns of WRSM were identified using latent class analysis, and logistic regressions were used to identify differences in the odds of eating disorder symptomology across patterns of WRSM. RESULTS Among this sample, 32.7% weighed themselves regularly; 44.1% reported knowing the nutrition facts of the foods they ate; 33.6% reported knowing the caloric content of the foods they ate; and 12.8% counted the calories they ate. Among women, four patterns of WRSM were identified: "no WRSM," "all forms of WRSM," "knowing nutrition/calorie facts," and "self-weigh only." Compared with the "no WRSM" pattern, women in all other patterns experienced increased eating disorder symptomology. Among men, three patterns were identified: "no WRSM," "all forms of WRSM," and "knowing nutrition/calorie facts." Only men in the "all forms WRSM" pattern had increased eating disorder symptomatology compared with those in the "no WRSM" pattern. DISCUSSION In a large sample of undergraduate and graduate students, engaging in any WRSM was associated with increased eating disorder symptomology among women, particularly for those who engaged in all forms. Among men, engaging in all forms of WRSM was the only pattern associated with higher eating disorder symptomology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L. Hahn
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health,Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, University of Minnesota School of Public Health,Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School
| | - Katherine W. Bauer
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Michigan School of Public Health
| | - Niko Kaciroti
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan School of Public Health
| | - Daniel Eisenberg
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California Los Angeles School of Public Health
| | - Sarah K. Lipson
- Department of Health Law Policy and Management, Boston University School of Public Health
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Hahn SL, Pacanowski CR, Loth KA, Miller J, Eisenberg ME, Neumark-Sztainer D. Self-weighing among young adults: who weighs themselves and for whom does weighing affect mood? A cross-sectional study of a population-based sample. J Eat Disord 2021; 9:37. [PMID: 33691780 PMCID: PMC7945352 DOI: 10.1186/s40337-021-00391-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Self-weighing is widespread among young adults and is sometimes recommended by healthcare providers for weight management. The present study aims to deepen our understanding of who is frequently self-weighing among young adults, and to examine for whom self-weighing impacts mood based on weighing frequency and other eating and weight-related characteristics. METHODS Survey data were collected from a large population-based sample of young adults (31.1 ± 1.6y) participating in Project EAT-IV (n = 1719). Cross-sectional data were stratified across sex and analyzed with chi-square, t-tests, and linear and logistic regressions controlling for age, ethnicity/race, education level, and income. RESULTS Self-weighing frequency was higher among male and female young adults with a current eating disorder, those trying to lose weight or who endorsed any disordered eating behaviors or cognition, and females with higher BMI. Young adult females were significantly more likely than males to report that self-weighing impacted their mood (53% vs 27%, p < 0.05). Among both male and female young adults, there was a higher probability of participants reporting that self-weighing impacted their mood among those who were self-weighing more frequently, had higher BMI, were trying to lose weight, and endorsed disordered eating behaviors or cognitions. CONCLUSION Findings suggest that for many young adults, particularly females and those with weight-related concerns, self-weighing is a behavior that comes with emotional valence. The emotional consequences of self-weighing should be considered when making public health and clinical recommendations regarding the usefulness of self-weighing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha L Hahn
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA. .,Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA.
| | - Carly R Pacanowski
- Department of Behavioral Health and Nutrition, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Katie A Loth
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jonathan Miller
- Department of Family Medicine and Community Health, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Marla E Eisenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical School, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Dianne Neumark-Sztainer
- Division of Epidemiology & Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bramante CT, Lee G, Amsili SS, Linde JA, Phelan SM, Appel LJ, Bennett WL, Clark JM, Gudzune KA. Minority and low-income patients are less likely to have a scale for self-weighing in their home: A survey in primary care. Clin Obes 2020; 10:e12363. [PMID: 32383356 PMCID: PMC7382396 DOI: 10.1111/cob.12363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Daily self-weighing is a weight management behaviour that requires a scale; however, scale ownership may be cost-prohibitive for some patients. Our objective was to understand the proportion of primary care patients with a scale at home, and factors associated with home scale access, to potentially inform future interventions that facilitate scale access. Cross sectional survey of 216 adult patients from three primary care clinics: mixed-income urban/suburban (n = 68); mixed-income urban (n = 70); low-income urban (n = 74). The dependent variable was presence of a home scale; bivariate associations were conducted with variables including demographics, insurance type, clinic setting and self-reported height/weight. Mean age was 53 years; 71% women; 71% racial minority; mean body mass index 32 kg/m2 . Overall, 56% had a home scale. Most (79%) white patients owned a scale, compared to 46% of racial minority patients (P < .01); 33% of low-income patients owned scale, compared to over 66% of patients at the clinics serving mixed-income populations (P < .01). Most low-income urban clinic patients do not own a home scale. Because self-weighing is an effective weight-management behaviour, clinicians could consider assessing scale access, and future research should assess the health impact of providing scales to patients with overweight/obesity who desire weight loss or maintenance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn T Bramante
- University of Minnesota Medical School, Division of General Internal Medicine, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Grace Lee
- Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Safira S Amsili
- Johns Hopkins University, Homewood Campus, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer A Linde
- University of Minnesota School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Sean M Phelan
- Mayo Clinic, Division of Health Care Policy and Research, Rochester, Minnesota, USA
| | - Lawrence J Appel
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wendy L Bennett
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeanne M Clark
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kimberly A Gudzune
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Division of General Internal Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins University, Welch Center for Prevention, Epidemiology, and Clinical Research, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Pegington M, French DP, Harvie MN. Why young women gain weight: A narrative review of influencing factors and possible solutions. Obes Rev 2020; 21:e13002. [PMID: 32011105 DOI: 10.1111/obr.13002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2019] [Revised: 12/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Significant weight gain occurs in women during young adulthood, which increases risk of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many cancers. This review aims to inform future individually targeted weight gain prevention programmes and summarizes possible targets: key life events, mediators that influence energy intake and physical activity levels, and moderators that could identify groups of women at greatest risk. Life events affecting weight include pregnancy and motherhood, smoking cessation, marriage and cohabiting, attending university, and possibly bereavement. Research has identified successful methods for preventing weight gain associated with pregnancy and motherhood, which could now be used in practice, but evidence is inconclusive for preventing weight gain around other life events. Weight gain is mediated by lack of knowledge and skills around food and nutrition, depression, anxiety, stress, satiety, neural responses, and possibly sleep patterns and premenstrual cravings. A paucity of research exists into altering these to limit weight gain. Moderators include socioeconomic status, genetics, personality traits, and eating styles. More research is required to identify at-risk females and engage them in weight gain prevention. There is a need to address evidence gaps highlighted and implement what is currently known to develop effective strategies to limit weight gain in young women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mary Pegington
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Prevent Breast Cancer Research Unit, The Nightingale Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - David P French
- Manchester Centre for Health Psychology, School of Health Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Michelle N Harvie
- Division of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.,Prevent Breast Cancer Research Unit, The Nightingale Centre, Wythenshawe Hospital, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK.,Manchester Breast Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brown CL, Perrin EM. Obesity Prevention and Treatment in Primary Care. Acad Pediatr 2018; 18:736-745. [PMID: 29852268 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2018.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Despite extensive public health and clinical interventions, obesity rates remain high, and evidence-based preventive strategies are elusive. Many consensus guidelines suggest that providers should screen all children after age 2 years for obesity by measuring height and weight, calculating body mass index (BMI), and sensitively communicating weight status in the context of health to the family at each visit. However, preventive counseling should begin in infancy and focus on healthy feeding, activity, and family lifestyle behaviors. For children with overweight or obesity, the American Academy of Pediatrics outlines 4 stages of treatment: 1) Primary care providers should offer "prevention plus," the use of motivational interviewing to achieve healthy lifestyle modifications in family behaviors or environments; 2) children requiring the next level of obesity treatment, structured weight management, need additional support beyond the primary care provider (such as a dietitian, physical therapist, or mental health counselor) and more structured goal setting with the team, including providers adept at weight management counseling; 3) children with severe obesity and motivated families may benefit from referral to a comprehensive multidisciplinary intervention, such as an obesity treatment clinic; and 4) tertiary care interventions are provided in a multidisciplinary pediatric obesity treatment clinic with standard clinical protocols for evaluation of interventions, including medications and surgery. Although it is certainly a challenge for providers to fit in all the desired prevention and treatment counseling during preventive health visits, by beginning to provide anticipatory guidance at birth, providers can respond to parents' questions, add to parents' knowledge base, and partner with parents and children and adolescents to help them grow up healthy. This is especially important in an increasingly toxic food environment with numerous incentives and messages to eat unhealthfully, barriers to appropriate physical activity, and concomitant stigma about obesity. Focusing on key nutrition and physical activity habits and establishing these healthy behaviors at an early age will allow children to develop a healthy growth trajectory. However, much more work is needed to determine the best evidence-based practices for providers to counsel families on improving target behaviors, environmental modifications, and parenting skills and to decrease abundant disparities in obesity prevalence and treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Callie L Brown
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (Dr Brown), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Pediatrics and Duke Center for Childhood Obesity Research (Dr Perrin), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC.
| | - Eliana M Perrin
- Department of Pediatrics and Department of Epidemiology and Prevention (Dr Brown), Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC; Department of Pediatrics and Duke Center for Childhood Obesity Research (Dr Perrin), Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chapman-Novakofski K. Mothers, Children, and Eating: Past, Present, and Future. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2018; 50:330-331. [PMID: 29631704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2018.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
|
8
|
Whitehead R, Berg C, Cosma A, Gobina I, Keane E, Neville F, Ojala K, Kelly C. Trends in Adolescent Overweight Perception and Its Association With Psychosomatic Health 2002-2014: Evidence From 33 Countries. J Adolesc Health 2017; 60:204-211. [PMID: 27939879 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2016.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Perceiving oneself as overweight is common and strongly associated with adolescents' subjective well-being. The prevalence of overweight perceptions and their impact on well-being may have increased over the past decade due to an increase in the salience of weight-related issues. This study examines trends (2002-2014) in the prevalence of adolescent overweight perceptions and their association with psychosomatic complaints. METHODS Data from 15-year-old adolescents were obtained between 2002 and 2014 in four rounds of the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children study in 33 countries in Europe and North America (N = 187,511). Design-adjusted logistic regressions were used to quantify changes in overweight perceptions over time. Linear modeling was used to assess change in the association between perceived overweight and self-reported psychosomatic complaint burden, adjusting for overweight status. RESULTS Among boys, 10 of 33 countries saw an increase in overweight perceptions between 2002 and 2014, with Russia, Estonia, and Latvia showing the most pronounced year-on-year increases. Only England, France, Germany, and Norway saw an increase in the positive association between overweight perceptions and psychosomatic complaints among boys. Among girls, most countries (28/33) saw no change in the prevalence of overweight perceptions, with the prevalence over 40% in most nations. However, in 12 countries, the association between overweight perceptions and psychosomatic complaints increased among girls, with particularly strong changes seen in Scotland and Norway. CONCLUSIONS Evidence is presented which suggests that for adolescent girls in 12 Northern and Western European countries and for boys in four perceiving oneself as overweight may be increasingly deleterious for psychosomatic health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ross Whitehead
- Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland.
| | - Christina Berg
- Department of Food and Nutrition, and Sport Science, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Alina Cosma
- Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
| | - Inese Gobina
- Department of Public Health and Epidemiology, Riga Stradiņš University, Riga, Latvia
| | - Eimear Keane
- Discipline of Health Promotion, School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Fergus Neville
- Child and Adolescent Health Research Unit, School of Medicine, University of St Andrews, St Andrews, Fife, Scotland
| | - Kristiina Ojala
- Health Promotion Research Centre, Institute of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Jyväskylä, Finland
| | - Colette Kelly
- Discipline of Health Promotion, School of Health Sciences, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Qualitative analysis of the role of self-weighing as a strategy of weight control for weight-loss maintainers in comparison with a normal, stable weight group. Appetite 2016; 105:604-10. [PMID: 27374738 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2016.06.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Revised: 06/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Self-weighing seems to have a primary role in weight-loss maintenance. The use of this strategy may help correct even slight weight regain and contribute to long-term weight stability. However, self-weighing has also been associated with negative psychological health consequences in specific subgroups. This study aimed to explore the use and the behavioral and psychological consequences of self-weighing in a group of weight-loss maintainers (WLoMs). We chose a qualitative design to conduct this investigation. Eighteen WLoMs were interviewed and compared to a matched comparison group of 18 participants with a lifelong normal stable weight (NSW). Analyses showed that most WLoMs needed regular self-weighing to be aware of their weight. The weight displayed on the scale helped WLoMs sustain the continuous efforts needed to maintain weight loss and also at times triggered corrective actions that were sometimes drastic. Weight changes generated both negative and positive affect among WLoMs, who could experience anxiety because of self-weighing or have their self-esteem impaired in the case of weight gain. In comparison, the NSW group rarely used self-weighing. They relied on a conscious way of living to control their weight and needed fewer strategies. NSW participants simply went back to their routine when they felt a slight increase in their weight, without experiencing consequences on their mood or self-esteem. Regular self-weighing as a component of weight-loss maintenance should be encouraged to help WLoMs regulate their food and physical activity, provided that potential consequences on psychological well-being, including self-esteem, are screened and addressed when needed.
Collapse
|
10
|
Benn Y, Webb TL, Chang BPI, Harkin B. What is the psychological impact of self-weighing? A meta-analysis. Health Psychol Rev 2016; 10:187-203. [PMID: 26742706 PMCID: PMC4917920 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2016.1138871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 01/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Many people self-weigh and many interventions addressing weight-related problems such as obesity promote self-weighing. However, while self-weighing has been associated with weight loss, there is mixed evidence regarding the psychological impact of this behaviour. The present review aimed to quantify the relationship between self-weighing and: (i) affect (e.g., anxiety, depression); (ii) psychological functioning (e.g., self-esteem); (iii) body-related attitudes and (iv) disordered eating. A computerized search of scientific databases in September 2014 and subsequent ancestry and citation searches identified 29 independent tests of the relationship between self-weighing on psychological outcomes. Meta-analysis was used to quantify the size of the association across the tests. Results indicated that there was no association between self-weighing and affect, body-related attitudes or disordered eating. There was, however, a small-sized negative association between self-weighing and psychological functioning. The age of participants, obesity status, the extent of weight loss, duration of self-weighing and study design (RCT versus correlational) were found to influence at least some of the psychological outcomes of self-weighing. The findings suggest that, for the most part, self-weighing is not associated with adverse psychological outcomes. However, in some cases the association between self-weighing and psychological outcomes may be more negative than in others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yael Benn
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Thomas L. Webb
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| | - Betty P. I. Chang
- Department of Psychological Sciences and Education, Universite´ Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Benjamin Harkin
- Department of Psychology, University of Sheffield, Western Bank, Sheffield, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chapman-Novakofski K. Integrating Psychology and Nutrition. JOURNAL OF NUTRITION EDUCATION AND BEHAVIOR 2016; 48:360. [PMID: 27288191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneb.2016.04.399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
|