Keywords
Obesity, Weight loss
Abstract
In an attempt to replicate and extend previous research on the validity of food diary records, 18 obese and 16 previously obese individuals from the community were quizzed on food recording and kcalorie estimation in a controlled analogue of self-monitoring. Results of the experimental phase of the study replicate those of previous studies indicating that the food diaries of obese clients are invalid because of poor food descriptions, incorrect quantity estimates, and errors in converting kcalories. The results also indicate that subjects tend to overestimate quantities and kcalories of foods. However, the present study extended previous research by examining the differences between obese and previously obese individuals. It was thought that weight differences might be a function, to some degree, of the person's accuracy at food recording, quantity of portion and kcalorie estimation. The present results suggested no relationship between current weight and accuracy. The implications of this finding suggests that success at weight loss may not be significantly related to an individual's ability at food description, quantity of portion and ability in kcalorie estimation, as was suggested by previous studies. The results of this study strongly question the validity of self-reports in food consumption. Its implications in research and practice were examined. The assessment phase of the study obtained information via a questionnaire on 177 individuals involved in a weight control program. The areas in the questionnaire consisted of: (a) general information, (b) health, (c) environment, (d) emotional aspects of eating, (e) exercise. The findings support past research on obesity, and revealed some areas of interest for future research.
Notes
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Graduation Date
1985
Semester
Fall
Advisor
McGuire, John M.
Degree
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Arts and Sciences
Department
Psychology
Degree Program
Clinical Psychology
Format
Language
English
Rights
Public Domain
Length of Campus-only Access
None
Access Status
Masters Thesis (Open Access)
Identifier
DP0017161
STARS Citation
Mancusi, Ileana M., "A Comparative Study on Presently and Previously Obese Individuals in Food Diary Records, and Lifestyle Data by Subjects Attending a Weight Control Program" (1985). Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 4786.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/rtd/4786
Contributor (Linked data)
Accessibility Status
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