Effects of Two Cognitive-behavioral Physical Activity and Nutrition Treatments on Psychosocial Predictors of Changes in Fruit/vegetable and High-fat Food Intake, and Weight

Improved mood may increase the consumption of healthy foods and decrease the intake of unhealthy foods. Increased physical activity might improve mood and, thus, eating behaviors. Adults (Mage = 45 years) with severe and morbid obesity (Mbody mass index = 41kg/m 2) were randomly assigned to 6 months of either cognitive-behavioral physical activity and nutrition-support methods alone (n = 92), or those methods plus mood regulation training (n = 92). There were significant improvements in physical activity, mood, self-regulation and selfefficacy for controlling eating, and weight that did not differ by group. Improvement in mood was associated with greater fruit/vegetable intake. Change in self-efficacy significantly mediated that relationship. Only two sessions of moderate physical activity/week were required to improve mood. Findings have implications for weight-loss intervention improvement.