Publication Type: Conference Paper/Unpublished Manuscript
Abstract: This paper examines the effectiveness of weight loss attempts with participants partaking in medically supervised meal replacement programs. A longitudinal study was done comparing participants who underwent group sessions with their meal replacment programs, those who pursued individual (private) treatment with their meal replacement program, and a control group of individuals who were not using the meal replacement program. Path models were tested examining the adherence to both the diet and exercise programs. For both the diet and exercise adherence path models, the influences of past behaviors, positive vicarious experiences, social undermining, and efficacy were found to be significant. Practical and theoretical implications regarding weight loss are discussed.