Instrumentalization of Eating Improves Weight Loss Maintenance in Obesity

Abstract

Aim : The purpose of this study was to identify psychosocial determinants for maintaining weight loss. Methods : 42 obese individuals who achieved a 12% weight loss before entering a 52-week weight maintenance program were interviewed qualitatively. Psychosocial factors related to weight loss maintenance were identified in two contrasting groups: weight reducers and weight regainers. Groups were defined by health-relevant weight maintenance (additional weight loss > 3% at week 52, n = 9 versus weight gain > 3%, at week 52, n = 20). Results : Weight reducers reported structured meal patterns (p = 0.008), no comfort eating (p = 0.016) and less psychosocial stress (p = 0.04) compared to weight regainers. The ability to instrumentalize eating behavior emerged as an important factor (p = 0.007). Nutritional knowledge, motivation or exercise level did not differ between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions : Successful weight loss maintenance was associated with an interplay between behavioral, affective and contextual changes. 'Instrumentalization of eating behavior' seems to be an important element in long-term weight maintenance.

Very low‐energy and low‐energy formula diets: Effects on weight loss, obesity co‐morbidities and type 2 diabetes remission – an update on the evidence for their use in clinical practice

“…(), a recent study explored the psychosocial determinants of maintaining weight loss following a formula diet in subjects who were classified as either ‘weight reducers’ (>3% weight loss) or ‘weight regainers’ (>3% weight gain) at 52 weeks (Christensen et al . ). The ‘weight reducers’ reported having a structured meal pattern, no comfort eating and less psychological stress compared with the ‘weight regainers’ (Christensen et al .…”

“…The ‘weight reducers’ reported having a structured meal pattern, no comfort eating and less psychological stress compared with the ‘weight regainers’ (Christensen et al . ). In addition, three key ingrained habits were identified which were calorie counting, choosing foods based on their nutrient content and using self‐monitoring tools, which the authors termed the ‘instrumentalisation of eating behaviour’ (Christensen et al .…”

“…The 'weight reducers' reported having a structured meal pattern, no comfort eating and less psychological stress compared with the 'weight regainers' (Christensen et al 2017a). In addition, three key ingrained habits were identified which were calorie counting, choosing foods based on their nutrient content and using self-monitoring tools, which the authors termed the 'instrumentalisation of eating behaviour' (Christensen et al 2017a). These three habits were similar to those factors identified in the National Control Weight Registry, which included eating a low-energy diet and self-monitoring weight (Wing & Phelan 2005), suggesting that these may be key to weight loss maintenance.…”

“…In addition to the studies included in the systematic review by Harper et al (2018), a recent study explored the psychosocial determinants of maintaining weight loss following a formula diet in subjects who were classified as either 'weight reducers' (>3% weight loss) or 'weight regainers' (>3% weight gain) at 52 weeks (Christensen et al 2017a). The 'weight reducers' reported having a structured meal pattern, no comfort eating and less psychological stress compared with the 'weight regainers' (Christensen et al 2017a). In addition, three key ingrained habits were identified which were calorie counting, choosing foods based on their nutrient content and using self-monitoring tools, which the authors termed the 'instrumentalisation of eating behaviour' (Christensen et al 2017a).…”

“…; Christensen et al . ,b). Greater rates of weight loss seem to be associated with better dietary compliance, possibly because rapid weight loss is highly motivating in some people and has been shown to be associated with increased weight maintenance (Wadden et al .…”