Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Wyoming, 2007. / Title from PDF title page (viewed on Dec. 5, 2008). Includes bibliographical references (p. 33-42).

Thesis (M.A.)--Bowling Green State University, 2007. / Document formatted into pages; contains vi, 59 p. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Rutgers University, 2008. / "Graduate Program in Psychology." Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-70).

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2007. / Title from title screen (site viewed Oct. 10, 2007). PDF text: viii, 178 p. UMI publication number: AAT 3258407. Includes bibliographical references. Also available in microfilm and microfiche formats.

Thesis (M.S.)--Missouri State University, 2008. / "May 2008." Includes bibliographical references (leaves 58-64). Also available online.

Background: The majority of adults in the UK are overweight or obese, and many embark on weight loss attempts, often without professional support. This dissertation set out to hone in on the cognitive and behavioural strategies used by adults with overweight and obesity attempting to lose weight, particularly in self-guided attempts, and to test the relationship between use of these strategies and weight loss success. Methods: A new taxonomy and questionnaire were developed to provide a framework to identify the cognitive and behavioural strategies used by individuals during weight loss attempts. The taxonomy was used in a systematic review and meta-analysis of self-help interventions for weight loss and in a systematic review of qualitative studies of self-directed weight loss. The questionnaire was used in an observational cohort study in adults with overweight and obesity trying to lose weight. Results: The taxonomy and questionnaire consist of 117 strategies. The qualitative review illuminated a range of attitudes and beliefs towards these strategies and highlighted the centrality of interpretation of self-monitored data. The quantitative review found that self-help interventions led to greater weight loss than unsupported attempts to lose weight at six months. In the cohort study, despite heterogeneity in the strategies employed, coherent patterns of behaviours emerged for individual participants. Strategies related to motivational support, dietary impulse control, and weight loss planning and monitoring were associated with greater weight loss. Conclusion: This dissertation demonstrates that self-help interventions can lead to significant weight loss and provides results to guide the content of such interventions. It maps out a previously uncharted area and provides a set of tools for further research and intervention development.

No description available.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Canterbury, 2008. / Typescript (photocopy). Includes bibliographical references (leaves 80-95). Also available via the World Wide Web.

Thesis (Ed.D.)--Teachers College, Columbia University, 1995. / Includes tables. Typescript; issued also on microfilm. Sponsor: Isabel Contento. Dissertation Committee: Sharon R. Akabas. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 206-215).

There is significant research evidence to demonstrate that physical activity can produce weight loss, weight maintenance and positive health effects in the overweight and obese. However, it can be difficult to get this population sufficiently active to achieve these benefits. This thesis reports on a series of studies that explore physical activity used alone and in conjunction with other weight management strategies. The primary aim was to gain a greater understanding about how weight loss and continued long term weight maintenance could be achieved. The first study was a systematic review on the dose of physical activity associated with weight loss and weight maintenance, it investigated if the current treatment dose was appropriate. The findings correlated with the recently published new CDC guidelines. In the second study, semi-structured interviews were employed to explore the attitudes and experiences of overweight and obese individuals towards weight loss and health. It was reported by participants that they prefer autonomy and personalisation to tailor weight loss and health strategies to their own lifestyles. It was also found that their knowledge base was confused and outdated. In the final study, a sample of overweight and obese adults took part in participatory action research with the aim to design and assess their own weight management programme. A multi-strategy weight management programme emerged that could be tailored to individual lifestyle. Tips and ideas were also devised to aid weight maintenance. This thesis found that the overweight and obese appeared to favour a multi-strategy weight management intervention that could be incorporated, personalised and tailored to their everyday lives. Physical activity (that was enjoyable, lifestyle or accomplished through accumulated bouts), dietary changes, education/improved knowledge base, support and weight monitoring all appeared to be important factors to aid weight management.