title: Rethinking traditional weight management programs: a 3-year follow-up evaluation of a new approach.
abstract: We evaluated the effectiveness of a nondiet approach designed to reduce restrained eating behaviors and improve self-acceptance and self-esteem. This approach also encourages participants to address eating and exercise behavior separately. Subjects were Conoco employees who participated in the Wellness Department's Eat For L.I.F.E. (Long-term change; Image of self; Fun; Enjoyment of eating) program and completed pre-participation and 3-year follow-up questionnaires (N = 79). Pre- and postsurvey data were used to assess participants eating behavior, dieting behavior, self-acceptance, self-esteem, level of physical activity, and demographic information. Mastery of the internally directed eating style was assessed during the program at 3 months, at the conclusion of the 6-month program, and at the 3-year follow-up. Analysis of variance indicated that Eat For L.I.F.E. participants were able to significantly decrease their restrained eating behavior and increase self-acceptance, self-esteem, and level of physical activity. Participants also were able to adopt many aspects of the nonrestrained, internally directed eating style and decrease their frequency of weighing-in behavior. These results indicate that strategies fostering internally directed eating behaviors may be more centrally related to an individual's well-being than programs supporting externally directed eating behaviors.
authors.affiliation: Conoco Wellness, Houston, Texas.
authors.forename: K M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Carrier
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Steinhardt
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bowman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D003469:Culture; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005247:Feeding Behavior; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D015431:Weight Loss