Prospective Relations between Social Comparison Orientation and Weight Loss Outcomes
Danielle Arigo1, Meghan L Butryn2
1a Department of Psychology, Rowan University , Glassboro , New Jersey , USA.
Behavioral Medicine (Washington, D.C.)
|June 27, 2018
Summary
Social comparison orientation impacts weight loss maintenance. Stronger general comparison aids physical activity, but upward comparison hinders weight loss success in behavioral programs.
Area of Science:
- Behavioral Science
- Health Psychology
- Obesity Research
Background:
- Weight loss maintenance after behavioral interventions is challenging.
- Social comparison significantly influences group-based weight loss programs.
- Individual differences in social comparison orientation require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prospective relationship between social comparison orientation and long-term weight loss outcomes.
- To examine the role of social comparison orientation in maintaining weight loss and physical activity post-treatment.
- To understand how individual tendencies to compare oneself to others affect weight management success.
Main Methods:
- 161 participants in a behavioral weight loss program completed a social comparison orientation measure at baseline.
- Weight, height, and aerobic-intensity physical activity were assessed at multiple time points, including 6 and 12 months post-treatment.
- Multilevel models analyzed prospective relations between social comparison orientation and weight loss/physical activity outcomes over time.
Main Results:
- Higher general social comparison orientation correlated with better maintenance of aerobic-intensity physical activity.
- A stronger tendency for upward social comparison (comparing to those better off) was linked to poorer weight loss success during and after treatment.
- Social comparison orientation demonstrated significant associations with long-term weight loss maintenance outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Social comparison orientation is a relevant factor in the long-term success of behavioral weight loss treatments.
- Upward social comparison may negatively impact weight loss maintenance, warranting targeted interventions.
- Further research into social comparison orientation's role in weight management is recommended.
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