Behavioral Modeling in Weight Management: A Global Bibliometric and Content Analysis of Health Belief Model Applications.

The Health Belief Model (HBM) is a foundational framework in weight management research, but its predictive power is often limited by inconsistent measurement of its core constructs. This study systematically investigates how methodological practices and contextual factors shape the explanatory power of HBM in weight management research using an integrated bibliometric and content analysis of 19 articles retrieved from the Web of Science database. In doing so, the study makes three contributions: (i) it maps the intellectual structure and thematic evolution of HBM-based weight management research between 2014 and 2025; (ii) it evaluates how core HBM constructs are operationalized across empirical studies; and (iii) it examines how contextual and institutional factors influence the model's predictive capacity. Bibliometric mapping indicates that the field shows conceptual maturity but remains geographically fragmented, with research concentrated in countries such as China, Iran, and Ethiopia, and limited cross-cultural collaboration. Content analysis reveals an imbalance toward behavioral intention rather than observed behavioral change. Among HBM constructs, self-efficacy emerges as a consistent and modifiable determinant supporting sustained behavior, while cues to action are inconsistently operationalized, limiting their effectiveness. Overall, the reliance on intention-based metrics and regionally bounded research traditions constrains the predictive power of HBM applications in weight management, highlighting the need for context-sensitive, self-efficacy-focused, and autonomy-preserving interventions.