Effects of mood on self-regulating physical activity and sweets intake within obesity treatments

Background: Although emotional eating is associated with obesity in women, psychological correlates of their treatment-based weight-reduction behaviors are unclear. Aim: To test new model-based propositions of effects of mood on self-regulating physical activity and eating to inform interventions. Methods: Women in community-based obesity treatments with emphases on either self-regulation (n = 56) or weight-management education (n = 54) were assessed on psychological and behavioral variables over 12 months. Results: Emotional eating scores were significantly higher than general samples. Overall significant improvements were found in physical activity- and eating-related self-regulation, mood, physical activity, and sweets consumption. Improvements were more pronounced in the self-regulation-emphasis group. Mood significantly moderated self-regulation-behavior change relationships. Increased physical activity predicted improved mood. Discussion: Findings (a) suggested propensities for emotional eating in women with obesity seeking behavioral treatment, (b) clarified treatment effects and the effect of mood in the self-regulation of physical activity and eating behaviors, and (c) supported model-based treatment targets.