Beliefs about the determinants of body weight predict dieting and exercise behavior

This study examined the relation between beliefs about the determinants of body weight and self-reported weight-control behaviors. Restrained eaters and unrestrained eaters indicated their beliefs about amount of food eaten and amount of exercise as determinants of body weight. They also reported the extent to which they engaged in several dieting behaviors and exercise. For restrained eaters (but not for unrestrained eaters), there was a positive correlation between beliefs about amount of food eaten as a determinant of body weight and self-reported dieting behaviors. For both restrained and unrestrained eaters, there was a positive correlation between beliefs about exercise as a determinant of body weight and amount of weekly exercise. These results suggest that (a) specific beliefs about the determinants of body weight can be useful predictors of weight-related behaviors, and (b) restrained eaters are likely to engage in a broader range of behaviors aimed at controlling their weight.