Prioste, AnaFonseca, HelenaSousa, Pedro Miguel LopesGaspar, PedroMachado, Maria do Céu2018-07-302018-07-3020170803-5253http://hdl.handle.net/10400.8/3386This is the pre-peer reviewed version of the following article: [Cross-sectional study showed psychosocial variables, gender and family involvement played an important role in an adolescent weight management programme], which has been published in final form at [10.1111/apa.13616]. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for Use of Self-Archived Versions.Aim: This study aimed to investigate the psychosocial gains perceived by overweightadolescents attending a 12-week weight management programme and to analyse gender-specific differences. Methods: A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted with a sample of 70overweight adolescents aged between 12 and 18 (52.9% girls), evaluated at baseline andat week 12 using anthropometric measurements and self-reported questionnaires. Weanalysed gender-specific differences related to body self-esteem, social life, relationshipswith their family, physical comfort, health responsibility, perceived benefits of theintervention, self-efficacy and adherence. We further investigated whether the variables atweek 12 would predict changes in their body mass index. Results: While weight had a greater impact on the body self-esteem of girls, both atbaseline and week 12, boys reported higher self-efficacy and adherence as well as agreater perception of the benefits of the intervention at week 12. The body mass indexchange was positively associated with body self-esteem, relationships within the family andself-efficacy and adherence. Conclusion: Gender specifics and the role of psychosocial variables must be taken intoaccount during weight management programmes for adolescents, and it is important toinclude the family throughout the entire process.engAdolescentChildCross-sectional studiesFemaleHumansMaleOverweightPatient compliancePortugalSelf reportSex factorsTreatment outcomeFamily relationsSelf conceptSelf efficacySocial environmentWeight reduction programsjournal article10.1111/apa.13616