Changing Weight Management Self-efficacy Among Obese Puerto Rican Adults: A Quantitative Study using a Health Coaching Intervention

Authors

Richard Valentin Ayala, A.T. Still UniversityFollow
Josh Bernstein, A.T. Still UniversityFollow

Abstract

Purpose: Obesity and associated healthcare-related issues continue to increase. The prevalence of obesity is on the rise, which has led many health professionals to find ways to improve health interventions. Health coaching can be a viable tool to reduce the obesity epidemic. The purpose of this quantitative study was to investigate the effects of an 8-weekhealth coaching intervention in obese individuals from Puerto Rico and to determine if self-esteem and body image influence weight managementself-efficacy. Method: A pretest-posttest design using a weight management self-efficacy scale helped the researcher evaluate the effectof the coaching sessions. In addition, body image was measured using the 9-figure Body Size Scale and self-esteem was analyzedwith the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Forty Hispanic adult men and women participated in the study. Results: Health coaching had a statistically significant effect on weight management self-efficacy (t (39) = -6.58, p < .001). Additionally, body image and self-esteem affected weight management self-efficacy and positive health coaching outcomes were significant regardless of positive or negative perceived body image. Conclusions: These findings suggest that body image and self-esteem should be considered when creating programs for obesity and a health coaching program can be effective in increasing weight management self-efficacy.

Author Bio(s)

Richard Valentin, DHEd, EdS, MEd, NBC-HWC, is a Lifestyle Health Coach from San Juan, Puerto Rico. He is also a national board certified health and wellness coach.

Josh Bernstein, PhD, is an associate professor of health education in the College of Graduate Health Studies at A.T. Still University.

Acknowledgements

The authors appreciate those who voluntarily participated in this study and made it possible.

DOI

10.46743/1540-580X/2020.1867

Recommended Citation

Valentin Ayala R, Bernstein J. Changing Weight Management Self-efficacy Among Obese Puerto Rican Adults: A Quantitative Study using a Health Coaching Intervention. The Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice. 2020 Jan 01;18(1), Article 9.