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A satisfaction enhancement intervention for long-term weight loss
Robert W Jeffery1, Jennifer A Linde, Emily A Finch
1Division of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, 1300 South Second Street, Suite 300, Minneapolis, MN 55454-1015, USA. jeffery@epi.umn.edu
Obesity (Silver Spring, Md.)
|July 21, 2006
Summary
This study tested if satisfaction with weight loss outcomes improves long-term results. Interventions aimed at increasing satisfaction did not significantly impact weight loss or behavioral changes in participants.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
- Weight Management Research
Background:
- Weight loss programs often struggle with long-term maintenance.
- Enhancing participant satisfaction may be a strategy to improve adherence and outcomes.
- Cognitive interventions are explored to influence psychological factors in weight control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare two satisfaction enhancement interventions for weight control.
- To assess the impact of these interventions on behavioral and weight changes.
- To test the hypothesis that enhanced satisfaction improves long-term weight loss.
Main Methods:
- 331 men and women were randomized into a 15-month weight loss program.
- Interventions included diet, exercise, and cognitive strategies.
- Cognitive interventions focused on comparing outcomes to ideal expectations versus pretreatment status.
Main Results:
- The intervention successfully manipulated cognitions or satisfaction.
- No significant differences in weight change were observed between groups.
- The interventions did not influence participant satisfaction or behavioral changes.
Conclusions:
- Intervening on satisfaction alone may not be sufficient for greater or sustained weight loss.
- Further research is needed to demonstrate the efficacy of satisfaction-based interventions.
- The potential of satisfaction enhancement for weight management requires additional evidence.