Social Determinants of Successful Weight Loss: An Analysis of Behavioral Intentions and Actual Behavior

A prospective study associating prior beliefs with actual behaviors explored the relationship of behavioral intentions to success in weight reduction. Survey questionnaires were mailed to prospective clients of a weight-reduction clinic immediately prior to their beginning treatment. Questionnaires were returned by 115 female respondents who actually began the weight loss program. Of the 115 clients, 79 completed 6 weeks of the program, and 36 left the program in less than 6 weeks. Perceived social norms were significantly associated with behavioral intentions and with actual weight loss, whereas perceived personal consequences were not related to either behavioral intentions or actual behavior. The perceived expectations of close friends were the normative beliefs most predictive of weight-loss behavior.