Body weight and shape control: Examining component behaviours

Relationship between body weight and the performance of five weight-related behaviours (limiting amount of food and drink at meals, avoid unnecessary fat, taking regular exercise, drinking little or no alcohol, avoiding calories in snacks) is examined in a sample of 165 normal-weight individuals. Each of these behaviours was commonly performed, particularly when trying to control body weight and shape. Avoiding alcohol, while being viewed as the least effective means of controlling weight, is found to be the only behaviour significantly related to lower current body weight. None of the five behaviours significantly correlate with amount lost in last effort to reduce weight. Self-reported intentions and previous performance of each behaviour are significantly predicted by components of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The results are discussed in relation to implications for body weight and shape control and the prediction of behaviours and goal achievement. (C) 1996 Academic Press Limited