Development and validation of the weight control strategies scale. (6th June 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pinto, Angela Marinilli; Fava, Joseph L.; Raynor, Hollie A.; LaRose, Jessica Gokee; Wing, Rena R.
• Is Part Of: Obesity. Volume 21:Number 12(2013:Dec.)
• Page Start: 2429
• Page End: 2436
• Publication Date: 2013-06-06
• Subjects: Obesity -- Periodicals; 616.398005
• DOI: 10.1002/oby.20368
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1930-7381

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec id="oby20368-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Objective</title> <p>To develop and validate the Weight Control Strategies Scale (WCSS), a self‐report instrument to assess the use of specific behaviors thought to facilitate weight loss.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby20368-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design and Methods</title> <p>Factor analysis was conducted on 323 overweight and obese adults (mean age = 48.7 ± 10.9 years, mean body mass index = 35.4 ± 4.9 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 74% female) enrolled in three different behavioral weight loss trials who completed the WCSS prior to starting treatment. To evaluate construct validity, additional data on dietary intake, physical activity, treatment session attendance, and weight change were obtained from a subsample of participants before and after participation in a 48‐week weight loss program.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby20368-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Results</title> <p>Principal components analysis with varimax rotation revealed a four‐component solution for the WCSS, representing the following subscales: Dietary Choices, Self‐monitoring Strategies, Physical Activity, and Psychological Coping (α from 0.79 to 0.89). Longitudinal analyses showed that WCSS subscale scores increased during treatment (<italic>P</italic> < 0.01). In adjusted models, changes in WCSS total and subscale scores were associated with post‐treatment weight loss (<italic>P</italic> < 0.01). Additionally, changes in WCSS Dietary Choices and Physical Activity subscales were related to post‐treatment changes in total daily kilocalorie consumption (<italic>P</italic> = 0.019) and weekly kilocalorie expenditure through physical activity (<italic>P</italic> < 0.001), respectively.</p> </sec> <sec id="oby20368-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>Findings support the validity and reliability of the WCSS in a weight loss treatment–seeking sample.</p> </sec> </abstract>