Motivation for weight-loss diets: A clustering, longitudinal field study using self-esteem and self-determination theory perspectives

Abstract

Background Gradual elevation of body weight leads numerous individuals to dieting and weight loss behaviours. Nevertheless, the prevalence of obesity continues to rise in industrialised countries. The examination of the motivational determinants of dietary modification ('dieting') in order to identify clusters of individuals in the first 6 months of their effort to control body weight was the aim of the current study. The theories of self-determination and self-esteem formation guided our analysis. Methods A longitudinal study was conducted with three data collection points (N 1 =256; N 2 =135; N 3 =75). Data were responses on the Treatment Self Regulation Questionnaire, Social Physique Anxiety Scale, Physical Self-Description Questionnaire, Kaiser Physical Activity Survey Questionnaire, and items assessing expectations of achievement and selfconfidence. Results Cluster analyses provided stable and validated cluster profiles for all data sets. In the 1st and 2nd data sets, results revealed three groups of dieters labelled as 'media victims', 'try to feel nice' and 'older and experienced'. For the 3rd data set, results supported a 4-group solution ('less adaptive profile', 'second successful dieters', 'successful dieters', and 'unsuccessful dieters'). Health EducationJournal 65 65 65 65 65(1) 2006 53-72 M M Georgiadis et al for an alternative paradigm in weight management, are proposed.Conclusions Psychological theories of self-determination and self-esteem provide important ways of understanding and identifying adaptive and less adaptive weight control strategies.

Predicting Psychological Needs and Well‐Being of Individuals Engaging in Weight Management: The Role of Important Others

“…Questionnaires were sent to all 399 respondents who completed the questionnaire at T1, but only 207 (52%) questionnaires were completed and returned. Similar attrition rates were observed in another longitudinal study by Georgiadis, Biddle, and Stavrou (). Similar to our research, this study applied SDT to determine motivation in a weight management context, and had three time points over a 4‐ to 6‐month period.…”

“…Again, a similar attrition rate from the second to third time point was found in the study by Georgiadis et al. ().…”

Carers' perspectives of a weight loss intervention for adults with intellectual disabilities and obesity: a qualitative study

“…Similar difficulties with a perceived lack of motivation of people with ID in adopting a healthy lifestyle patterns, and especially in engaging in physical activities, have been also reported in other studies (Messent et al 1998). However, motivation to make lifestyle changes can be influenced by different factors (Georgiadis et al 2006) and may be only partially relevant to cognitive impairments. A study has shown that improved self-image is a greater motivator in women than in men and personal health has a bigger influence on the motivation of older people, and men (Satia et al 2001).…”

“…1998). However, motivation to make lifestyle changes can be influenced by different factors (Georgiadis et al . 2006) and may be only partially relevant to cognitive impairments.…”

Comparison Between Marital Satisfaction and Self-Esteem Before and After Bariatric Surgery in Patients With Obesity

“…The post-surgical changes in patients’ self-esteem is noteworthy, since poor self-esteem can deteriorate their prognosis and increase the risk of post-op weight regain according to the study by Georgiadis (42). In the current study, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-operative scores of self-esteem.…”