Introduction. The high self-efficacy in weight reduction is related to greater involvement and persistence in weight reduction. In turn, the high intensity of compensatory health beliefs related to dieting and body weight regulation increases the likelihood of abnormal eating behavior. Aim. Analysis of the level of self-efficacy in weight reduction, and the intensity of the diet-related compensatory health beliefs related to dieting and body weight regulation in a group of overweight and obese patients (BMI ≥ 25). Material and methods. The study involved 50 people aged 24–66 years with BMI ≥ 25. There were Self-Efficacy Scale in Weight Reduction (SES-WR) by Oginska-Bulik (the lower the score the higher sense of efficacy) and Compensatory Health Beliefs Scale (CHBS) by Knauper, Rabiau, Cohen et al. used in the study. Results. The average result of SES-WR in the entire research group (n = 50), was high M (mean) = 3.1 (0.64 standard deviation). 64% (32) of persons, M = 1,52 (0,32) had high results, 36% (18) of persons, M = 2,66 (0,31) – moderate. No one received the results of the low. The average result of CHBS in the entire research group (n = 50), was moderate M(mean) = 3.26 (0.90 standard deviation). 8% (4) of persons, M = 2.25 (0.29) had low level of diet-related compensatory health beliefs; 66% (33) of persons, M = 3.21 (0.28) moderate and 26% (13) of persons, M = 4.35 (0.33) high. Conclusions. Psychoeducation and psychotherapy aimed at developing of self-efficacy in weight-reduction and changing beliefs about the weight regulation and dieting should be elements of psychological interventions in the treatment of overweight and obesity.

Key words: obesity, weight mass reduction, self-efficacy, compensatory health beliefs.