Changing Weight Management Self-efficacy among Obese Puerto Rican Adults: A Quantitative Study using a Health Coaching Intervention

Purpose: Obesity and associated healthcare-related issues continue to increase. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise, which has led many health professionals to find ways to improve health interventions. Health coaching can be a viable tool to reduce the obesity epidemic. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the effects of an 8-week health coaching intervention in obese individuals from Puerto Rico and to determine if self-esteem and body image influence weight management self-efficacy. Method: A pretest-posttest design using a weight management self-efficacy scale helped the researcher evaluate the effect of the coaching sessions. In addition, body image was measured using the 9-figure Body Size Scale and self-esteem was analyzed with the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Forty Hispanic adult men and women participated in the study. Results: Health coaching had a statistically significant effect on weight management self-efficacy (t (39) = -6.58, p < .001). Additionally, body image and self-esteem affected weight management self-efficacy and positive health coaching outcomes were significant regardless of positive or negative perceived body image. Conclusions: These findings suggest that body image and self-esteem should be considered when creating programs for obesity and a health coaching program can be effective in increasing weight management self-efficacy.