title: Weighing the evidence: benefits of regular weight monitoring for weight control.
abstract: We address the assertion that weighing obese patients in weight loss programs can be a source of distress and can lead to unfavorable outcomes. Examination of the relevant literature suggests that there is no evidence that weighing by weight loss participants is a cause of negative mood or of body dissatisfaction. Further, there is little evidence that negative mood states or body dissatisfaction lead to a poor outcome in weight loss programs. To the contrary, a number of studies consistently show that more frequent weighing is associated with better weight loss and maintenance. We offer suggestions for dealing with this issue in clinical practice.
authors.affiliation: Weight Management Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. oneilp@musc.edu
authors.forename: Patrick Mahlen
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: O'Neil
authors.forename: Joshua D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Brown
mesh_terms: D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012648:Self Care; D015431:Weight Loss