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Maria, Nicole, Abby, and Jessica are adolescents currently enrolled in an obesity treatment program. According to self-determination theory, which teen will be most likely to achieve her weight loss goals?

User Knirirr
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Final answer:

The most likely adolescent to achieve weight loss goals according to self-determination theory would show autonomy, competence, and relatedness, and would actively engage with the behavioral components of the obesity treatment program.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to self-determination theory, the adolescent most likely to achieve her weight loss goals is the one who experiences a high level of autonomy in her choices, demonstrates competence in managing her behavior, and feels a sense of relatedness or connection with others in the program. This theory posits that motivation is optimized when these three psychological needs are satisfied. In the context of an obesity treatment program, this would mean that the adolescent who is self-motivated to engage in healthier behaviors, learns and masters skills such as self-monitoring of food intake and exercise, and feels supported by her peers and facilitators is more likely to sustain her weight loss efforts. Behavioral weight loss interventions suggest that these elements, coupled with nutrition education, physical activity goals, and behavior modifications, are crucial for yielding at least a 5 percent loss from baseline weight, which is considered clinically significant.

User Klanestro
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