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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 17, 2026

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Control of Eating Behavior Using a Novel Feedback System

Published on: May 8, 2018

Self-regulatory theory and weight-loss maintenance.

Rylan J Testa¹, Ronald T Brown

¹Palo Alto University, 1791 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA, testa.ry@gmail.com.

Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings

|February 7, 2015

Summary

Prevention focus may hinder weight loss maintenance after a dietary lapse. This focus, unlike promotion focus, was linked to increased calorie consumption in a study of women maintaining significant weight loss.

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Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice

Errors as a Means of Reducing Impulsive Food Choice

Published on: June 5, 2016

Area of Science:

Psychology
Behavioral Science
Nutrition Science

Background:

Dietary lapses are common challenges for individuals maintaining weight loss.
Understanding psychological factors influencing post-lapse eating behavior is crucial for effective weight management.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the relationship between promotion and prevention focus and caloric intake following a controlled dietary lapse.
To examine the mediating role of anxious and depressive affect in this relationship.

Main Methods:

Sixty-five adult females with a minimum 10% weight loss maintained for at least one month participated.
Following a simulated dietary lapse in a laboratory setting, participants engaged in an unrestricted "bogus" taste test.
Promotion and prevention focus, alongside affect, were assessed.

Main Results:

Prevention focus, but not promotion focus, was significantly associated with higher caloric consumption after the dietary lapse.
Affect (depressive and anxious) did not mediate the relationship between focus and caloric intake.
The findings suggest prevention focus might be detrimental to dietary maintenance.

Conclusions:

Prevention focus may pose a risk for weight loss maintenance following dietary lapses.
Clinical interventions may need to address prevention-oriented mindsets to improve long-term dietary adherence.
Future research should explore strategies to mitigate the negative impact of prevention focus.