Modelling multiple health behavior change with network analyses: results from a one-year study conducted among overweight and obese adults

This study examined the between-person associations of seven health behaviors in adults with obesity participating in a weight loss intervention, as well as the covariations between these behaviors within-individuals across the intervention. The present study included data from a 12-month weight loss trial (N  = 278). Seven health behaviors (physical activity, sedentary behavior, sleep duration, and consumption of fruits, vegetables, total fat and added sugar) were measured at baseline, 6- and 12-months. Between- and within-participants network analyses were conducted to examine how these behaviors w ere associated through the 12-month intervention and covaried across months. At the between-participants level, associations were found within the different diet behaviors and between total fat and sedentary behaviors. At the within-participants level, covariations were found between sedentary and d iet behaviors, and within diet behaviors. Findings suggest that successful multiple health behaviors change interventions among adults with obesity will need to (1) simultaneously target sedentary and diet behaviors; and (2) prevent potential compensatory behaviors in the diet domain.
Source: Journal of Behavioral Medicine - Category: Psychiatry Source Type: research