The influence of proximal vs. distal goals on adherence to prescribed calories

Females and males undergoing behavioral treatment for obesity were advised to consume 1200 or 1500 calories daily. Subjects were instructed to reference calories either immediately following consumption, or daily, after having consumed the last food item. Subjects who referenced calories daily were not provided with further calorie goals. Subjects who referenced calories immediately following consumption were advised to set calorie subgoals for daily meals and snacks according to personal preference. Treatment was followed by a 6-month maintenance phase and continuation of the experimental manipulation. Subjects reported a progressive reduction in calories during treatment with no significant changes in intake evident during maintenance. Differential goal instructions produced reports of greater deprivation and greater attrition yet substantial weight losses among subjects given daily goals compared to subjects who also set meal and snack subgoals.