title: Outcome expectations and realizations as predictors of weight regain among dieters.
abstract: This prospective study tested whether (a) baseline outcome expectations regarding the benefits of a weight-loss diet, (b) 6-month outcome realizations regarding perceived benefits actually experienced, and/or (c) the interaction between them predicted 6-12-month weight regain among overweight/obese women randomized to one of four popular weight-loss diets (N=311). Positive 6-month realizations regarding improvements in physical shape and appearance predicted less 6-12-month weight regain among Atkins diet participants only (n=70), controlling for baseline expectations, the expectations-realization interaction, and initial weight loss. Atkins participants displayed three distinct patterns of regain based on levels of 6-month realizations and initial weight loss. Experimental research should investigate whether improving realizations leads to reduced weight regain in response to this popular diet.
authors.affiliation: Stanford Prevention Research Center, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, 251 Campus Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5411, USA. smoore1@stanford.edu
authors.forename: Susan D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Moore
authors.forename: Abby C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: King
authors.forename: Michaela
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kiernan
authors.forename: Christopher D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Gardner
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001828:Body Image; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D050528:Diet, Carbohydrate-Restricted; D004038:Diet, Reducing; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009765:Obesity / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000523:psychology; D050177:Overweight / Q000178:diet therapy* / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D015430:Weight Gain; D015431:Weight Loss