Abstract
Introduction: Perceived behavioral control (PBC) is a core construct of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) and a key determinant of health behaviors. However, its specific role in relation to restrained eating among overweight and obese youth remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between PBC and restrained eating in this population.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 220 overweight and obese youth (BMI>25 kg/m²) aged 18–29 years from Malekan County, Iran. Participants were recruited using two-stage cluster sampling from urban and rural healthcare centers. Data were collected between October 2025 and February 2026. Validated TPB-based questionnaires and the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 18 (TFEQ-R18) were used. Data were analyzed using correlation coefficients and linear regression.
Results: PBC correlated with restrained eating (r=0.213, P<0.001). Subgroup correlations were significant among females (r=0.468), rural residents (r=0.279), married individuals (r=0.325), those with family history of obesity (r=0.307), and those with prior weight-loss experience (r=0.265; all P<0.01). In regression, PBC was the only TPB construct directly associated with restrained eating (B=0.007, P<0.001), explaining 11% of the variance (R²=0.11, P<0.001). PBC did not predict emotional or uncontrolled eating.
Conclusion: In this cross-sectional study, PBC was positively associated with restrained eating among overweight and obese youth. However, causal conclusions cannot be drawn due to the study design. Longitudinal and experimental research is warranted to confirm these associations.