Changes in Eating Self-Efficacy During Weight Loss Intervention with or Without Nutrition Education

Background Self-efficacy plays an important role in successful weight loss behaviors and weight loss. Objectives The aim of the study was to compare the effects of a balanced low-calorie diet with or without nutrition education on eating self-efficacy and weight loss among obese women. Methods In a randomized clinical trial, a sample of 90 apparently healthy obese women was recruited from the nutrition clinic and randomly assigned to receive a balanced low-calorie diet with or without nutrition education. The anthropometric measures and weight efficacy lifestyle questionnaire were completed at baseline, 3, and 6 months after the intervention. Results The participants demonstrated a significant weight loss and improvement in total self-efficacy score in both the intervention groups (the time effect: F = 12.64, df = 2, P < 0.001, F = 22.57, df = 2, P < 0.001, respectively). No significant difference was observed in the social pressure subscale between the two groups after the intervention (the time × intervention effect: F = 2.80, P > 0.05). The results showed that nutrition education could be more effective in the increase of self-efficacy, especially in the first 3 months in comparison with the second 3 months (1.01 ± 0.38 vs. 0.29 ± 0.17, P = 0.005). Conclusions The findings support the use of nutrition education for improvement of self-efficacy subscales among obese women attending nutrition clinics for weight loss