Weighing the evidence: benefits of regular weight monitoring for weight control.
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.
O'Neil
Patrick Mahlen
PM
Weight Management Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA. oneilp@musc.edu
Brown
Joshua D
JD
D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D012648:Self Care; D015431:Weight Loss