The present study was accomplished with 189 low income obese attended by public health nutritionists of João Pessoa, Paraíba. We found out positive and negative beliefs plus the most expressive referees on these patients about the behavior of following a medical diet to reduce weight. This permitted to build a behavioral intention measurement instrument to check those who might really follow these diets. It was verified the emphasis on general normative and attitudinal aspects over obese who had up to one minimum-wage income. This may indicate two efficacious points to be explored on targeted communications to this social class during weight loss public health campaigns. This measurement can be turned into preventive health actions; obesity is considered worldwide as epidemics, in need of immediate control, growing in incidence mainly among lower ranks of the population of developing countries.
obesity; diet; theory of reasoned action
