Analysis of Weight Control among Overweight and Obese Iranian Adolescents: Application of the Trans-theoretical Model

Background The world-wide prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has reached an alarming level and become a major health problem in today’s world. The aim of this study was to identify the stages and processes of change as well as their relationship with weight controlbased on a Trans- theoretical Model (TTM) in overweight and obese Iranian adolescents. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with participation of 250 overweight and obese adolescents selected through cluster sampling method fromMarch to April, 2016. In order tocollect data, a researcher-made questionnaire based on TTM ؟The obtained data were entered into SPSS version19.0 software. Results: The majority of participants (80%) were in inactive stages (pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation) of change for weight control, while only 20% of them were in active stages (action and maintenance). Also, results showed that a significant differencebetween stages and processes of change so that individuals' progress across stages of change frompre-contemplation to maintenance increased cognitive and behavioral processes’ scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of participants (80%) were in inactive stages (pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation) of change for weight control, while only 20% of them were in active stages (action and maintenance). Also, results showed that a significant differencebetween stages and processes of change so that individuals' progress across stages of change frompre-contemplation to maintenance increased cognitive and behavioral processes’ scores (p < 0.05).