Self-regulation as a Moderator of the Relationship Between the Obesogenic Environment and Nutrition

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association between accessibility of healthy und unhealthy foods, the use of self-regulatory strategies, nutrition and body weight of children and adolescents. The questionnaire study was attended by 1,170 pupils aged 12 -17 (M = 14.09, SD = 1.63). There is a significant association between the accessibility of unhealthy foods at home and outside of home and snacks eating, but the relationship wasn't significant if the level of the use of self-regulatory strategies based on controlling and avoiding temptations was high. Similarly, there is a significant association between the accessibility of unhealthy foods at home and the consumption of sweetened beverages but the relationship wasn't significant if the level of the use of self-regulatory strategies based on avoiding temptations was high. In summary self-regulation was a moderator of the relationship between the accessibility of the unhealthy foods and nutrition. The relationship between the foods accessibility and body weight were not significant.