Self-Regulation of Eating and Exercising Behavior in Children With Overweight and Obesity

Gawrilow C, Sage K, Tabibzadeh P, Löchner J (2026)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2026

Journal

European Journal of Health Psychology American Psychological Association

DOI: 10.1027/2512-8442/a000191

Abstract

Background: Unhealthy diet and a lack of daily exercise are associated with adverse outcomes in children. Aims: This study investigates the effectiveness of self-regulation interventions for establishing healthy eating and exercising behavior in children with overweight. Method: Thirty-four children (14 girls) with overweight (Mage = 12.03 years, SD = 2.47) were after a 1-week baseline randomly assigned to either a goal or a goal intention + if-then plan intervention condition. Children learned to apply either goal intentions or if-then plans to their everyday eating and exercising behavior, and the effects of these interventions were assessed at a 3-week follow-up. Results: Interventions’ effects did not reach statistical significance. However, critical eating situations in the if-part of an if-then plan mainly occurred in social contexts and around high-calorie foods, whereas critical exercising situations reflected various barriers perceived by children. Limitations: The small sample size, self-reported data, and sparse measurements over a month warrant replication of the study in a randomized controlled trial. Conclusion: Training children who are overweight to use self-regulatory tools might be only one component to better manage daily challenges in their eating and exercise habits.

Involved external institutions

Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen DE Germany (DE) Deutsches Zentrum für Psychische Gesundheit (DZPG) DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Gawrilow, C., Sage, K., Tabibzadeh, P., & Löchner, J. (2026). Self-Regulation of Eating and Exercising Behavior in Children With Overweight and Obesity. European Journal of Health Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1027/2512-8442/a000191

MLA:

Gawrilow, Caterina, et al. "Self-Regulation of Eating and Exercising Behavior in Children With Overweight and Obesity." European Journal of Health Psychology (2026).

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