The effect of a motivational intervention on weight loss is moderated by level of baseline controlled motivation

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  • Webber, Kelly H
    • Other Affiliation: Department of Nutrition and Food Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
  • Gabriele, Jeanne M
    • Other Affiliation: Department of Psychology and Mental Health, G.V. (Sonny) Montgomery VA Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
  • Tate, Deborah
    • Affiliation: Gillings School of Global Public Health, Department of Nutrition
  • Dignan, Mark B
    • Other Affiliation: Prevention Research Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
Abstract
  • Abstract Background Clinic-based behavioral weight loss programs are effective in producing significant weight loss. A one-size-fits-all approach is often taken with these programs. It may be beneficial to tailor programs based on participants' baseline characteristics. Type and level of motivation may be an important factor to consider. Previous research has found that, in general, higher levels of controlled motivation are detrimental to behavior change while higher levels of autonomous motivation improve the likelihood of behavior modification. Methods This study assessed the outcomes of two internet behavioral weight loss interventions and assessed the effect of baseline motivation levels on program success. Eighty females (M (SD) age 48.7 (10.6) years; BMI 32.0 (3.7) kg/m2; 91% Caucasian) were randomized to one of two groups, a standard group or a motivation-enhanced group. Both received a 16-week internet behavioral weight loss program and attended an initial and a four-week group session. Weight and motivation were measured at baseline, four and 16 weeks. Hierarchical regression analysis was conducted to test for moderation. Results There was significant weight loss at 16-weeks in both groups (p < 0.001); however there were no between group differences (p = 0.57) (standard group 3.4 (3.6) kg; motivation-enhanced group 3.9 (3.4) kg). Further analysis was conducted to examine predictors of weight loss. Baseline controlled motivation level was negatively correlated with weight loss in the entire sample (r = -0.30; p = 0.01). Statistical analysis revealed an interaction between study group assignment and baseline level of controlled motivation. Weight loss was not predicted by baseline level of controlled motivation in the motivation-enhanced group, but was significantly predicted by controlled motivation in the standard group. Baseline autonomous motivation did not predict weight change in either group. Conclusions This research found that, in participants with high levels of baseline controlled motivation for weight loss, an intervention designed to enhance motivation for weight loss produced significantly greater weight loss than a standard behavioral weight loss intervention.
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  • Article
Rights statement
  • In Copyright
Rights holder
  • Kelly H Webber et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
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Journal title
  • International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity
Journal volume
  • 7
Journal issue
  • 1
Page start
  • 4
Language
  • English
Is the article or chapter peer-reviewed?
  • Yes
ISSN
  • 1479-5868
Bibliographic citation
  • International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity. 2010 Jan 22;7(1):4
Publisher
  • BioMed Central Ltd
Access right
  • Open Access
Date uploaded
  • August 23, 2012

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file details 1479-5868-7-4.pdf 2019-05-07 Public Download
file details Hierarchical Regression Analysis. This analysis confirms the moderating effect of baseline controlled motivation on weight loss. 2019-05-07 Public Download
file details Mean Changes in Outcome Measures from Baseline to 16-week follow-up. N = 70; Participants in the two groups did not differ on change on any main outcome measures over the 16 weeks. 2019-05-07 Public Download
file details 1479-5868-7-4.xml 2019-05-07 Public Download