Influence of a 16-Week Weight Loss Program and Social Physique Anxiety on Program Success and Subjective Well-Being in Obese, Sedentary Women

This study examined the influence of a behavioural weight loss programme (BWLP) and social physique anxiety (SPA) on weight-loss success and subjective well-being in obese, sedentary women (N?=?32 completers). Anthropometric assessments, graded exercise tests (GXTs), and psychological inventories were administered at the beginning and end of a 16-week BWLP. Women who completed the programme significantly decreased body weight, percent body fat, and body mass index (BMI). Participants who scored high in SPA enjoyed exercise less at the beginning, but they increased in exercise enjoyment at the end of the programme. In addition, exercise self-efficacy was lower in women high in SPA, and self-efficacy increased in all participants from beginning to the end of the programme. Both SPA groups decreased in SPA from the beginning to end of the study. Participants also reported short-term mood benefits immediately after GXTs at the beginning and end of the BWLP. These results have implications for designing exercise programmes that enhance subjective well-being in obese participants who are high or low in SPA.

Automated summary

This study found that women who completed a behavioural weight loss programme over 16 weeks significantly decreased body weight, body fat percentage, and BMI. Participants with high social physique anxiety enjoyed exercise less at the beginning of the program but increased in exercise enjoyment by the end. Self-efficacy increased for all participants, and both SPA groups decreased in anxiety levels throughout the study.