Analysis of Weight Control among Overweight and Obese Iranian Adolescents: Application of the Trans-theoretical Model

Background The world-wide prevalence of overweight and obesity among children and adolescents has reached an alarming level and become a major health problem in today’s world. The aim of this study was to identify the stages and processes of change as well as their relationship with weight control based on a Trans - theoretical Model (TTM) in overweight and obese Iranian adolescents. Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted with participation of 250 overweight and obese adolescents selected through cluster sampling method from March to April, 2016. In order to collect data, a researcher-made questionnaire based on TTM؟ The obtained data were entered into SPSS version 19.0 software. Results: The majority of participants (80%) were in inactive stages (pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation) of change for weight control, while only 20% of them were in active stages (action and maintenance). Also, results showed that a significant difference between stages and processes of change so that individuals' progress across stages of change from pre-contemplation to maintenance increased cognitive and behavioral processes’ scores (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The majority of participants (80%) were in inactive stages (pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation) of change for weight control, while only 20% of them were in active stages (action and maintenance). Also, results showed that a significant difference between stages and processes of change so that individuals' progress across stages of change from pre-contemplation to maintenance increased cognitive and behavioral processes’ scores (p < 0.05).