Yes I can! Exploring the impact of self-efficacy in a digital weight loss intervention

Bibliographic Data

ID7146789
AuthorsAngel E Cleare (0000-0002-5053-6095, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine , Palo Alto, CA 94304), Christopher D Gardner (0000-0002-7596-1530, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine , Palo Alto, CA 94304), Abby C King (0000-0002-7949-8811, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine , Palo Alto, CA 94304), Michele L Patel (0000-0001-5307-4861, Stanford Prevention Research Center, Stanford University School of Medicine , Palo Alto, CA 94304, corresponding author)
Year2025
Volume59
Issue1
Publication date2025-01-04
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueAnnals of Behavioral Medicine (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0883-6612 • E-ISSN: 1532-4796
PublisherOxford University Press (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1093/abm/kaae085
PMID39673768
OpenAlexW4405393399
LanguageEN
Citations received1
References cited47

BACKGROUND: Self-efficacy is a modifiable intervention target in behavioral weight loss interventions. However, its role in the context of digital interventions is less clear. PURPOSE: To determine change in self-efficacy in a digital weight loss intervention, and whether self-efficacy is associated with engagement in self-monitoring diet or weight loss. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of the GoalTracker study among 100 adults with overweight or obesity enrolled in a 12-week standalone digital weight loss intervention emphasizing daily self-monitoring. At baseline, 1 month, and 3 months, we assessed self-efficacy for controlling eating (via the Weight Efficacy Lifestyle Questionnaire; WELQ) and self-efficacy for tracking diet. Dietary self-monitoring engagement data were collected from the MyFitnessPal app. Weight was collected in person on a calibrated scale. Analyses included participants with complete data (N range: 72-99). RESULTS: Positive change from baseline to 1 month in self-efficacy for controlling eating was associated with higher dietary self-monitoring engagement (r = 0.21, P = .008) but not with 3-month weight change (r = -0.20, P = .052). Meanwhile, positive change from baseline to 1 month in self-efficacy for tracking diet was associated in a beneficial direction with both outcomes (r = 0.57, P < .001; r = -0.35, P < .001, respectively). However, on average, self-efficacy for controlling eating did not change over time while self-efficacy for tracking diet decreased (P < .001). CONCLUSION: Improvements in self-efficacy-particularly for tracking diet-early on in a digital weight loss intervention served as a mechanism of greater engagement and weight loss, highlighting the need for strengthening intervention strategies that promote early self-efficacy within a digital context.

Behavior change · Biology · Context (archaeology) · Health psychology · Intervention (counseling) · Obesity · Overweight · Physical therapy · Psychiatry · Psychological intervention · Public health · Self-efficacy · Self-monitoring · Weight change · Weight loss · Digital Mental Health Interventions · Internal Medicine · Medicine · Mobile Health and mHealth Applications · Physical Activity and Health · Psychology · Social Psychology · Gerontology

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