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Emerging Adults Report Internal, External, and Social/Environmental Motivations for Weight-Related Self-Monitoring
Samantha L Hahn1, C Blair Burnette2, Caroline Bornstein3
1College of Medicine, Central Michigan University, Mount Pleasant, MI; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN.
Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior
|April 3, 2025
Summary
Emerging adults are motivated by internal, external, and social factors to engage in weight-related self-monitoring (WRSM). This practice often begins in childhood, with dietary and weight tracking starting around age 8 and exercise tracking around age 9.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Public Health
- Psychology
Background:
- Weight-related self-monitoring (WRSM) is prevalent among emerging adults.
- Understanding the motivations and initiation age of WRSM is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the factors motivating emerging adults to engage in weight-related self-monitoring (WRSM).
- To determine the typical age at which individuals begin WRSM.
Main Methods:
- A mixed-methods study combining quantitative surveys and qualitative semi-structured interviews.
- 138 emerging adults (ages 22-29) from a population-based sample participated in surveys, with 25 also completing interviews.
- Motivations and initiation age were assessed quantitatively; interview data explored the introduction and use of WRSM.
Main Results:
- Participants cited internal (e.g., weight loss, body shape change), external (e.g., health professional/peer advice), and social/environmental factors (e.g., cultural norms) as motivations for WRSM.
- A moral obligation towards health also contributed to WRSM engagement.
- Self-monitoring of diet and weight began as early as age 8, and exercise monitoring as early as age 9.
Conclusions:
- Multiple internal, external, and social/environmental factors normalize and encourage WRSM in emerging adults.
- The early age of initiation and diverse motivations highlight the need for further research into the health impacts of WRSM.
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