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Body Positivity and Self-Compassion on a Publicly Available Behavior Change Weight Management Program
Meaghan McCallum1, Annabell Suh Ho1, Christine N May1
1Academic Research, Noom, 229 W 28th St., New York, NY 10001, USA.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|December 24, 2021
Summary
This study found that participants in a commercial weight management program improved body positivity and self-compassion. These psychological improvements were linked to greater engagement and successful weight loss.
Area of Science:
- Psychology and Health Behavior Change
- Behavioral Medicine and Weight Management
Background:
- Body positivity and self-compassion are linked to improved psychological and physical health.
- It remains unclear how these psychological factors change during commercial weight management programs, especially those addressing behavioral roots.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine changes in body positivity and self-compassion during a 16-week commercial weight management program (Noom Weight).
- To investigate the relationship between baseline/changes in these psychological factors and engagement in program behaviors.
- To explore predictors of engagement and weight loss within a psychologically-informed weight management context.
Main Methods:
- A single-arm prospective study of 133 participants in the Noom Weight program.
- Surveys measured body positivity and self-compassion at baseline and 16 weeks.
- Program data recorded weight loss and behavioral engagement (e.g., logging meals, exercise).
Main Results:
- Significant improvements were observed in body appreciation, body image flexibility, self-compassion, and reduced body-focused rumination at 16 weeks.
- Participants achieved a mean weight loss of 3.9 kg (4.4% of body weight).
- Greater program engagement correlated with improvements in body appreciation, body image flexibility, and reduced rumination, as well as higher baseline self-compassion.
Conclusions:
- The findings suggest that psychologically-oriented weight management programs (informed by ACT, DBT, CBT) can enhance body positivity and self-compassion.
- Baseline self-compassion may predict engagement levels in weight management programs.
- Further research is needed to establish causal links between body positivity, self-compassion, engagement, and weight loss.
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