Early Effects of Improved Mood on Propensity for Emotional Eating During the Physical Activity-only Phase of a Community-Based Behavioral Treatment for Obesity in Women with High Mood Disturbance

Weight loss beyond the short term is problematic for individuals with obesity. Especially women, emotional eating one of greatest barriers and might require attention early in a behavioral weight-loss program. Physical activity-associated mood improvement may be associated reduced eating. Women obesity volunteered community-based weight-management treatment. Effects initial 10 weeks, which focused on support physical activity (prior to addressing behavior change), were assessed. Groups designated based whether participants’ high total disturbance (TMD) scores normal level (n = 45) or remained 27). Although significant overall improvements found, F(1, 70) 22.80, p < .001, its change did not significantly differ by group, 0.82, .370. Using aggregated data, prediction reduction lowered TMD was statistically significant. Adding self-efficacy controlled into Step 2 regression model increased explained variance R2 .10, .014, group being contributor when added 3. predicted increase activity, β -.23, .028, completion at least 3 bouts/week, rpb -.22, p= .015. Because activity-related reductions negative increases eating, viability those factors as treatment targets signaled.