Evaluating the Role of Life Events and Sustaining Conditions in Weight Loss Maintenance

Background. Recent qualitative research indicates that life events can enhance behaviour change maintenance. if a number of sustaining conditions are met. This study aimed to quantitatively test this theory in the context of weight loss maintenance. Method. Based upon their weight histories partici...

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Main Authors: Eleni Epiphaniou, Jane Ogden
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2010-01-01
Series:Journal of Obesity
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2010/859413
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author Eleni Epiphaniou
Jane Ogden
author_facet Eleni Epiphaniou
Jane Ogden
author_sort Eleni Epiphaniou
collection DOAJ
description Background. Recent qualitative research indicates that life events can enhance behaviour change maintenance. if a number of sustaining conditions are met. This study aimed to quantitatively test this theory in the context of weight loss maintenance. Method. Based upon their weight histories participants were classified as either successful (𝑛=431) or unsuccessful (𝑛=592) dieters and all completed questionnaires relating to life events, choice, the function of eating and exercise and the model of their weight problem. Findings. Successful dieters reported a higher number of life events than unsuccessful dieters particularly for events such as “clothes did not fit me”, “doctor's recommendation” and “reached my heaviest weight”. Successful participants also indicated reduced choice over their previous unhealthy diet, more choice over their exercise behaviours and more benefits from the new healthy behaviours. They were also less likely to attribute their previous increased weight to any medical and psychological factors. This was accompanied by a belief about the effectiveness of behavioural solutions to their weight problem. Discussion. Life events can promote behaviour change for some individuals. This change is facilitated by a reduction in choice and disruption of function over the unhealthy behaviours, and a belief that behavioural solutions will be effective.
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spelling doaj-art-dd8c017ca88f4d8380a56220c33124182025-02-03T01:13:03ZengWileyJournal of Obesity2090-07082090-07162010-01-01201010.1155/2010/859413859413Evaluating the Role of Life Events and Sustaining Conditions in Weight Loss MaintenanceEleni Epiphaniou0Jane Ogden1Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7HX, UKDepartment of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7HX, UKBackground. Recent qualitative research indicates that life events can enhance behaviour change maintenance. if a number of sustaining conditions are met. This study aimed to quantitatively test this theory in the context of weight loss maintenance. Method. Based upon their weight histories participants were classified as either successful (𝑛=431) or unsuccessful (𝑛=592) dieters and all completed questionnaires relating to life events, choice, the function of eating and exercise and the model of their weight problem. Findings. Successful dieters reported a higher number of life events than unsuccessful dieters particularly for events such as “clothes did not fit me”, “doctor's recommendation” and “reached my heaviest weight”. Successful participants also indicated reduced choice over their previous unhealthy diet, more choice over their exercise behaviours and more benefits from the new healthy behaviours. They were also less likely to attribute their previous increased weight to any medical and psychological factors. This was accompanied by a belief about the effectiveness of behavioural solutions to their weight problem. Discussion. Life events can promote behaviour change for some individuals. This change is facilitated by a reduction in choice and disruption of function over the unhealthy behaviours, and a belief that behavioural solutions will be effective.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2010/859413
spellingShingle Eleni Epiphaniou
Jane Ogden
Evaluating the Role of Life Events and Sustaining Conditions in Weight Loss Maintenance
Journal of Obesity
title Evaluating the Role of Life Events and Sustaining Conditions in Weight Loss Maintenance
title_full Evaluating the Role of Life Events and Sustaining Conditions in Weight Loss Maintenance
title_fullStr Evaluating the Role of Life Events and Sustaining Conditions in Weight Loss Maintenance
title_full_unstemmed Evaluating the Role of Life Events and Sustaining Conditions in Weight Loss Maintenance
title_short Evaluating the Role of Life Events and Sustaining Conditions in Weight Loss Maintenance
title_sort evaluating the role of life events and sustaining conditions in weight loss maintenance
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2010/859413
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