An examination of the unique contributions of body image and internalized weight bias to psychological well-being outcomes.

High correlations between measures of internalized weight bias (IWB) and body image (BI) have resulted in concerns that IWB is conceptually redundant with BI. This investigation examined the contribution of the unique variance of BI and IWB on three important, weight-related factors: self-esteem, depressive symptoms, and body shame. The study included 403 participants recruited through a Qualtrics research panel. Participants were required to be aged 18 + and have a BMI > 25. The sample contained three equally represented, self-identified racial/ethnic groups: Black non-Hispanic (N = 140), Hispanic (N = 133), and White non-Hispanic (N = 130). When BI was entered in the first step of the regression model, it accounted for 14-40% of the variance in various models; the addition of IWB in step two contributed 11-18% of unique variance. By contrast, when IWB was entered in the first step, it accounted for 25-56% of the variance in various models, with the addition of BI contributing between 0% and 2% unique variance. Therefore, even with a high correlation among the constructs of IWB and BI, IWB was able to contribute unique variance in predicting depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and body shame, and is not redundant with the construct of BI.

"Mindset Matters": Perseverance, a balanced approach and structured support as facilitators of whole foods plant-based adoption.

Whole foods plant-based diets (WFPBD) show potential for preventing and addressing chronic diseases. However, concerns exist about their acceptability and feasibility. Research on firsthand WFPBD adoption experiences is limited but crucial for promoting dietary change. In a 12-week remotely delivered lifestyle modification program using an ad libitum WFPBD, twenty weight-loss seeking adults (ages 18-75) with overweight or obesity completed self-report surveys and semi-structured interviews via Zoom. The study aimed to explore: (1) experiences with WFPBD adoption; (2) factors that helped or hindered adherence; and (3) perceived salient benefits. Interviews were analyzed inductively through a conventional content analysis, and associations between variables examined with correlational analyses. Participants overall reported WFPBD adoption being a positive, new experience, with an equal number (30%) finding it easy/easier than expected as challenging. Key cited challenges included overwhelm, different eating habits in the household, and meal preparation. Key cited facilitators included adopting an incremental approach to dietary change, persisting after setbacks, and having simple go-to meals. Greater self-compassion and family support, and less sabotage from friends and family corresponded to greater dietary change (rs > 0.45, ps < .05). Participants valued accountability, structure, human support, nutrition psychoeducation and recipes in the program. Three categories emerged regarding perceived benefits of following the WFPBD: physical health benefits, improvements to eating habits, and greater perceived control/agency over health. Results indicate that future interventions should include psychological strategies alongside nutrition education to enhance self-efficacy, address household barriers, and combat feelings of overwhelm through sufficient structure, support, and meal preparation guidance. Messaging around WFPBD may benefit from discussing prevailing positive experiences with adoption, common benefits experienced, and options for an incremental approach given that feasibility and acceptability concerns may deter efforts.

Associations between behaviour change technique clusters and weight loss outcomes of automated digital interventions: a systematic review and meta-regression.

Automated digital interventions for weight loss represent a highly scalable and potentially cost-effective approach to treat obesity. However, current understanding of the active components of automated digital interventions is limited, hindering efforts to improve efficacy. Thus, the current systematic review and meta-analysis (preregistration: PROSPERO 2021-CRD42021238878) examined relationships between utilisation of behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and the efficacy of automated digital interventions for producing weight loss. Electronic database searches (December 2020 to March 2021) were used to identify trials of automated digital interventions reporting weight loss as an outcome. BCT clusters were coded using Michie's 93-item BCT taxonomy. Mixed-effects meta-regression was used to examine moderating effects of BCT clusters and techniques on both within-group and between-group measures of weight change. One hundred and eight conditions across sixty-six trials met inclusion criteria (13,672 participants). Random-effects meta-analysis revealed a small mean post-intervention weight loss of -1.37 kg (95% CI, -1.75 to -1.00) relative to control groups. Interventions utilised a median of five BCT clusters, with goal-setting, feedback and providing instruction on behaviour being most common. Use of Reward and Threat techniques, and specifically social incentive/reward BCTs, was associated with a higher between-group difference in efficacy, although results were not robust to sensitivity analyses.