Habit Intervention for Female Weight Management and Body Image
Abstract
Sustainable weight management remains problematic for the United States and more so for rural areas. Habit changes show promise for weight loss as well as weight maintenance. Accordingly, improvements in weight fosters a positive body image, especially for women. The objective of this research project was to examine the effectiveness of habit change interventions for weight maintenance and subsequent improvements in body image. Thirty-five adult female participants were recruited at a rural family practice clinic to participate in the evidence-based habit formation intervention, measuring weight, body mass index, waist circumference, and body image using the Body Shape Questionnaire-8c. Improvements in weight have the potential to impact healthcare costs, morbidity, and mortality, as well as have the psychosocial ramifications of improved body image and mood. This intervention was conducted during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic. By March, there was no significant weight loss, whereas most United States females reported weight gain during this time. This suggests that habit change interventions may be useful for mitigating weight gain during turbulent seasons. There was no significant weight loss during the intervention. There was a significant improvement in body image irrespective of weight loss.
Degree
D.N.P.
Thesis Department
Rights
Open Access (fully available)
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