Association of reduction in waist circumference with normalization of mood in obese women initiating exercise supported by the Coach Approach protocol

Abstract

Background: Interrelations of exercise, mood, and weight reduction are unclear in the behavioral treatment of obesity.

Methods: Obese women volunteers with high tension (anxiety) (T), depression (D), or total mood disturbance (TMD) scores, who were previously randomized into conditions of (1) exercise supported by The Coach Approach: a protocol based on social cognitive and self-efficacy theory (CA; n = 53, 66, and 60, respectively), (2) personal demonstration and follow up of exercise methods (EX; n = 27, 27, and 21, respectively), and (3) exercise suggested through written information only (INFO; n = 24, 28, and 20, respectively), were subjects. Identical nutrition information was provided to all subjects in a small group format.

Results: Minutes of exercise over the 6-month study were greatest in the CA condition, with minutes in the EX condition greater than the INFO condition. T, D, and TMD scores were reduced to normal levels mostly in the CA condition, with the EX condition having significantly more normalized D scores than the INFO. Across conditions, normalized mood scores generally predicted a greater reduction in waist circumference, with CA associated with additional benefits when D scores were considered.

Conclusion: Properly accounting for exercise-induced mood change may be important in the behavioral treatment of obesity.