Evaluating the role of life events and sustaining conditions in weight loss maintenance.
Background. Recent qualitative research indicates that life events can enhance behaviour change maintenance. if a number of sustaining conditions are met. This study aimed to quantitatively test this theory in the context of weight loss maintenance. Method. Based upon their weight histories participants were classified as either successful (n = 431) or unsuccessful (n = 592) dieters and all completed questionnaires relating to life events, choice, the function of eating and exercise and the model of their weight problem. Findings. Successful dieters reported a higher number of life events than unsuccessful dieters particularly for events such as "clothes did not fit me", "doctor's recommendation" and "reached my heaviest weight". Successful participants also indicated reduced choice over their previous unhealthy diet, more choice over their exercise behaviours and more benefits from the new healthy behaviours. They were also less likely to attribute their previous increased weight to any medical and psychological factors. This was accompanied by a belief about the effectiveness of behavioural solutions to their weight problem. Discussion. Life events can promote behaviour change for some individuals. This change is facilitated by a reduction in choice and disruption of function over the unhealthy behaviours, and a belief that behavioural solutions will be effective.
Epiphaniou
Eleni
E
Department of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7HX, UK.
Ogden
Jane
J
Psychol Health Med. 2008 Oct;13(5):505-15
18942005
Int J Behav Nutr Phys Act. 2006 Sep 12;3:25
16968551
Addict Behav. 1997 Jul-Aug;22(4):571-5
9290866
J Nutr Educ Behav. 2005 May-Jun;37(3):115-20
15904574
West J Nurs Res. 1998 Feb;20(1):84-102
9473969
West J Nurs Res. 2003 Mar;25(2):134-52
12666640
Obes Surg. 2005 Feb;15(2):266-72
15802072
J Nutr Educ Behav. 2005 May-Jun;37(3):121-8
15904575
Tob Control. 2005 Dec;14(6):425-8
16319368
J Clin Psychol. 2004 May;60(5):453-60
15048692
BMJ. 2006 Feb 25;332(7539):458-60
16443610
Health Psychol. 2000 Jan;19(1S):64-9
10709949
Prev Med. 2004 Sep;39(3):612-6
15313102
Am J Clin Nutr. 2005 Jul;82(1 Suppl):222S-225S
16002825
J Psychosom Res. 2006 Oct;61(4):545-52
17011364
West J Nurs Res. 1996 Aug;18(4):414-28
8797366
Annu Rev Nutr. 2001;21:323-41
11375440
Health (London). 2008 Oct;12(4):419-37
18818273
Addiction. 2005 Nov;100(11):1637-46
16277625