Correlates of overweight and obesity in a Hispanic sample

Theoretically-based correlates of weight and waist circumference in an overweight/obese Hispanic sample were assessed. Two-hundred thirty-one participants completed questionnaires assessing constructs from self-determination theory and the transtheoretical model. Height, weight, and waist circumference were also measured. Hierarchical regression models predicted weight and waist circumference. Lower weight was associated with greater perceived competence for diet and exercise (β = - .176, p = .054; β = - .202, p = .040), environmental reevaluation (β = - .254, p = .009), reduced pros of weight loss (β = .246, p = .007), stimulus control (β = - .200, p = .054), helping relationships (β = .234, p = .005), and social liberation (β = .226, p = .019). Lower waist circumference was associated with the maintenance stage for exercise (β = - .304, p = .028). Exploration of the transtheoretical model and self-determination theory in relation to reductions in overweight/obesity within Hispanic populations is warranted.