Beliefs and Factors That Influence Female College Students’ Decision to Consume Weight Loss Products
Date of Award
1-1-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
M.S. in Pharmaceutical Science
First Advisor
Erin Holmes
Second Advisor
Yi Yang
Third Advisor
Alicia Bouldin
School
University of Mississippi
Relational Format
dissertation/thesis
Abstract
Background: Rising societal pressures, body image concerns, and the increasing accessibility of commercial weight loss products (WLPs) have led to heightened use among young women, particularly college students. Female undergraduates are especially vulnerable due to social media influence, peer comparison, and transitioning lifestyles. Despite the popularity of WLPs, concerns persist regarding their safety, efficacy, and the psychosocial beliefs driving their use. This study seeks to understand the beliefs and factors influencing WLP consumption among female college students using Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) and the Health Belief Model (HBM).
Methods: A cross-sectional, exploratory survey was conducted among female undergraduate students aged 18–26 at the University of Mississippi. A total of 290 complete responses were analyzed. Constructs from SCT (self-efficacy, self-regulation, observational learning, outcome expectations, reciprocal determinism) and HBM (perceived benefits and barriers) were measured using validated Likert-scale items. Independent samples t-tests and Pearson correlation analyses were performed using SPSS to assess construct differences between WLP users and non-users.
Results: Among respondents, 23.8% reported previous WLP use. Users exhibited significantly higher scores in self-efficacy, self-regulation, outcome expectations, perceived benefits, reciprocal determinism, and perceived barriers (all p < 0.001). Observational learning showed no significant difference between users and non-users. Strong correlations were found between outcome expectations and perceived benefits (r = 0.744), and self-regulation and perceived benefits (r = 0.751). Most participants sought WLP advice from healthcare professionals (40%), followed by friends/family (21.7%) and social media influencers (17.9%).
Conclusion: The decision to use WLPs among college women is shaped by self-perceived capability, expected outcomes, and belief in external and internal control over health behaviors. While social observation did not significantly influence usage, belief-driven constructs like self-efficacy and perceived benefits were critical. These findings highlight the need for interventions that foster informed decision-making and realistic expectations about weight loss, focusing on self-regulation, health literacy, and critical evaluation of peer and media influence.
Recommended Citation
Siddiqua, Cynthia Ummay, "Beliefs and Factors That Influence Female College Students’ Decision to Consume Weight Loss Products" (2025). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 3390.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/3390