Behaviors and Psychological States Associated With Transitions From Regaining to Losing Weight

• Published in: Health psychology 2022-12, Vol.41 (12), p.938-945
• Main Authors: Hayes, Jacqueline F., Wing, Rena R., Unick, Jessica L., Ross, Kathryn M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavior change; Behavior Therapy; Cognitions; Emotional States; Exercise; Female; Health Care Psychology; Human; Humans; Intervention; Losing; Male; Obesity - psychology; Physical activity; Psychological Engagement; Selfmonitoring; Temptation; Weight Gain; Weight Loss
• ISSN: 0278-6133; 1930-7810
• DOI: 10.1037/hea0001224

Objective: Little is known about week-to-week recovery from regains following a behavioral weight loss intervention (BWLI). This study examined changes in behaviors, cognitions, and moods associated with transitioning from weight regain to weight loss during the nine-month weight loss maintenance period after a three-month Internet-based BWLI. Method: Participants (n = 68) self-weighed daily via "smart" scales and answered 40 weekly questionnaires about their weight-related behaviors and psychological states. Mixed models were used to (a) determine whether weight gain in a given week predicted changes in weight, behaviors (e.g., self-monitoring), and psychological states (e.g., mood, temptation) the following week and to (b) compare back-to-back weeks when individuals recovered from weight gain (gained in the first week and lost in the second) versus those in which they gained both weeks. Results: Weight gain in a given week predicted greater weight gain and greater report of behaviors and psychological states associated with weight gain the following week. Back-to-back weeks when individuals switched from gaining to losing were few (5%) compared with weeks when individuals continued gaining (60%). Switching from gaining to losing was associated with greater physical activity during the initial weight gain week and greater self-reported behaviors/cognitions consistent with weight loss (e.g., greater calorie self-monitoring, greater importance of "staying on track") during the following week. Conclusions: Engagement in more weight loss consistent behaviors and more favorable ratings of key psychological variables were associated with the rare shifts from gaining to losing. Future research should investigate interventions to help individuals quickly recover from weight regain.