...care of the overweight or obese patient, either directly in a weight management program (teaching and counseling for conventional weight management or bariatric surgery) or through providing care to the patient affected by one or more of the many co-morbidities of obesity. Lifestyle changes are especially relevant when a patient's body mass index (BMI) has increased to the point of being overweight (see Table 1).

Behavior change models are important in preventing weight gain and the subsequent loss of excess weight to help the person meet the goal of living a healthier, longer life. The Health Belief Model (HBM) addresses the effects of beliefs on health and the decision process in making behavioral changes (see Table 2). Bowden, Greenwood, and Lutz (2005) identified it as one of the most studied theories in health education, used with varying populations, health conditions, and interventions. The model provides a comprehensive framework for understanding psychosocial factors associated with compliance. In this article, a summary of the limited research found in a professional literature review of the Health Belief Model as applied to weight management is offered. To qualify for inclusion, an article had to be either an analysis or research performed using the Health Belief Model to maintain a healthy weight or to lose weight for the person already overweight or obese.

A Review of Behavioral Change Models in Preventing Weight Gain

Baranowski, Cullen, Nicklas, Thompson, and Baranowski (2003) compared the various behavior change models for applicability in preventing weight gain. They found that behavioral change may occur as a result of change in variables that mediate interventions. These mediating variables come from theories or models used to understand behavior. This review of seven different categories of models and theories defined the concepts and identified the motivational mechanisms and resources a person needs to change, the processes by which behavioral change is likely to occur, and the procedures necessary to promote change. After analysis was completed, authors identified the most promising model...

NOTE: All illustrations and photos have been removed from this article.



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