Weight Management Processes and Individual Differences: A Validation Study of P-Weight and S-Weight in Farsi.

Abstract

Background: The obesity epidemic is a growing public health concern, making weight management a crucial aspect of overall health and well-being. Indeed, effective tools to facilitate behavior change are essential for achieving long-term success in managing weight. This study aimed to validate the Farsi versions of the S-weight and P-weight questionnaires to support personalized weight management by assessing specific aspects of psychological readiness, including motivation, self-regulation, emotional reappraisal (EmR), and environmental restructuring (EnR).

Methods: A cross-sectional study using self-administered questionnaires was conducted. The study included 455 adults aged 17-65, excluding those undergoing invasive weight-loss interventions. The measured variables included EmR, weight consequence evaluation (WCE), weight management actions (WMA), and EnR, which were assessed using structured Likert-scale questionnaires. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were performed, with reliability evaluated via Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.

Results: The questionnaires showed strong validity and reliability (KMO=0.91; Bartlett's test χ²=3999.75; P<0.001). Overweight and obese participants scored significantly higher in change processes than normal-weight participants (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The validated instruments provide a reliable means of tailoring weight management strategies based on psychological readiness, potentially improving long-term outcomes.