Measuring Perceived Barriers to Healthful Eating in Obese, Treatment-seeking Adults

Welsh, Ericka M.; Jeffery, Robert W.; Levy, Rona L.; Langer, Shelby L.; Flood, Andrew P.; Jaeb, Melanie A.; Laqua, Patricia S.

doi:10.1016/j.jneb.2010.06.005

« BackJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior

Article in Press

Measuring Perceived Barriers to Healthful Eating in Obese, Treatment-seeking Adults

Ericka M. Welsh, PhD
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
- Address for correspondence: Ericka M. Welsh, PhD, Division of Public Health, Department of Health and Human Services, 301 Centennial Mall S, Lincoln, NE 68509; Phone: (402) 471-1063; Fax: (402) 471-6446
Robert W. Jeffery, PhD
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Rona L. Levy, PhD
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Shelby L. Langer, PhD
- School of Social Work, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Andrew P. Flood, PhD
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Melanie A. Jaeb, RD
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
Patricia S. Laqua, RD
- School of Public Health, Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN

published online 13 June 2011.
Corrected Proof

Abstract

Objective

To characterize perceived barriers to healthful eating in a sample of obese, treatment-seeking adults and to examine whether changes in barriers are associated with energy intake and body weight.

Design

Observational study based on findings from a randomized, controlled behavioral weight-loss trial.

Participants

Participants were 113 women and 100 men, mean age 48.8 years, 67% white, and mean body mass index at baseline 34.9 kg/m².

Variables Measured

Perceived diet barriers were assessed using a 39-item questionnaire. Energy intake was assessed with the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire. Body weight (kg) and height (cm) were measured.

Analysis

Factor-based scales constructed from exploratory factor analysis. Linear regression models regressed 12-month energy intake and body weight on baseline to 12-month factor-based score changes (α = .05).

Results

Exploratory factor analysis yielded 3 factors: lack of knowledge, lack of control, and lack of time. Reported declines in lack of knowledge and lack of control from baseline to 12 months were associated with significantly greater energy restriction over 12 months, whereas reported declines in lack of control and lack of time were associated with significantly greater weight loss.

Conclusions and Implications

Results suggest that declines in perceived barriers to healthful eating during treatment are associated with greater energy restriction and weight loss.

Key Words: perceived barriers, eating, obesity, weight loss