Diet, Exercise and Motivation in Weight Reduction: The Role of Psychological Capital and Stress

Abstract

This study tested the impact of diet, exercise and motivation on weight loss, stress, and health behaviour over 12 weeks, and also the predictability of the composite factor of psychological capital (self-efficacy, optimism, hope and resilience) for outcomes. 241 females between the ages of 18-35 years attending university who wanted to lose weight were recruited at week one. 141 remained at week 12. Participants were allocated to one of three groups, group 1, diet only, group 2, diet and exercise, and group 3, diet exercise and motivational interviewing (MI). Across all measures, group 3 (diet, MAA and MI) showed greatest effect, as well as for weight loss. PsyCap was not found to be a predictor of success, however, it was found to have significantly improved for group 3 at time 2. Implications for weight loss interventions for females experiencing stress at periods of low support are discussed.