Analysis of Weight Control among Overweight and Obese Iranian Adolescents: Application of the Trans-theoretical Model

Abstract

<strong><em><span>Background</span></em></strong><br /> <span>The world-wide prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has reached an alarming level and become a major health problem in today's world. The aim of this study was to identify the stages and processes of change as well as their relationship with weight control</span><span>based on a Trans<span lang="FA" dir="RTL">- </span>theoretical Model (TTM) in overweight and obese </span><span lang="EN">Iranian</span><span> adolescents.</span><br /> <strong><em><span>Materials and Methods</span></em></strong><br /> <span>This cross-sectional study was conducted with participation of 250 overweight and obese adolescents selected through cluster sampling method fromMarch to April, 2016. In order tocollect data, a researcher-made questionnaire based on TTM<span lang="FA" dir="RTL"> ؟</span>The obtained data were entered into SPSS version19.0 software. </span><br /> <strong><em><span>Results</span></em></strong><span>: The majority of participants (80%) were in inactive stages (pre<span lang="FA" dir="RTL">-</span>contemplation, contemplation, and preparation) of change for weight control, while only 20% of them were in active stages (action and maintenance). Also, results showed that a significant differencebetween stages and processes of change so that individuals' progress across stages of change frompre<span lang="FA" dir="RTL">-</span>contemplation to maintenance increased cognitive and behavioral processes' scores (p < 0.05)<span lang="FA" dir="RTL">.</span></span><br /> <strong><em><span>Conclusion</span></em></strong><span>: The majority of participants (80%) were in inactive stages (pre<span lang="FA" dir="RTL">-</span>contemplation, contemplation, and preparation) of change for weight control, while only 20% of them were in active stages (action and maintenance). Also, results showed that a significant differencebetween stages and processes of change so that individuals' progress across stages of change frompre<span lang="FA" dir="RTL">-</span>contemplation to maintenance increased cognitive and behavioral processes' scores (p < 0.05)<span lang="FA" dir="RTL">.</span></span>