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Related Experiment Videos

The weight loss experience: a descriptive analysis.

Robert W Jeffery¹, Kristina M Kelly, Alexander J Rothman

¹Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55545-1015, USA. jeffery@epi.umn.edu

Annals of Behavioral Medicine : a Publication of the Society of Behavioral Medicine

|March 18, 2004

Summary

Most weight loss attempts result in regaining weight. This study found that decreasing positive feelings and belief in the benefits of weight loss over time may explain why.

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Area of Science:

Behavioral science
Obesity research
Psychology of weight management

Background:

Weight loss attempts often result in a cycle of loss followed by regain to baseline.
Understanding the psychological factors influencing long-term weight management is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

To identify thoughts and feelings associated with weight loss.
To explore psychological factors that may explain weight regain after initial loss.

Main Methods:

Weekly measurement of thoughts, feelings, and body weight.
Study involved 41 women undergoing behavioral treatment for obesity over six months.

Main Results:

The weight loss experience was generally positive, with more positive than negative thoughts and feelings.

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Positive reactions and belief in the benefits of weight loss decreased over time.

No correlation was found between perceived effort and actual weight loss outcomes.

Conclusions:

Insufficient long-term rewards for weight control behaviors may contribute to frequent weight loss failures.
Psychological adjustments in perception and motivation are key to sustained weight management.