Reliability and validity of the weight efficacy lifestyle questionnaire in overweight and obese individuals

The aim of the present study was to assess the psychometric properties of weight efficacy lifestyle questionnaire (WEL). This experiment is a cross-sectional study. The subjects consisted of 118 individuals with BMI higher than 25 kg/m2 who were selected using available sampling and then were evaluated using WEL. Reliability was evaluated by test-retest method and validity was assessed using different methods such as factor analysis, principal component analysis, items correlation with the total score and with Shrer general self efficacy questionnaire and external validity. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, T test, Pearson correlation coefficient and factor analysis. Test-retest reliability coefficient of WEL was 0/91. Using factor analysis revealed and confirmed five subscales of original WEL including "negative emotions", "availability", "social pressures", "physical discomfort" and "positive amusing activities". Furthermore, the correlation of five factors with the total scores, the significant correlation of WEL with total scores of Shrer general self efficacy questionnaire (r=0.62; p<0.001) and the increase in total scores after nutrition education, all indicated the questionnaire’s efficiency. WEL has a highly significant validity and reliability and is suitable to be used in educational, clinical and research domains.