title: Thinness expectations and weight cycling in a sample of middle-aged adults.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The False Hope Syndrome suggests that unrealistic expectations of dieting and weight loss are key constructs in the prediction of behavioral failure and may exacerbate weight cycling. The objective of this study was to determine cross-sectional associations among dieting and thinness expectations and weight cycling history within the framework of the False Hope Syndrome.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants were middle-aged (45±12 years) women (n=116) and men (n=98) recruited via worksite intranet distributions. Information on dieting and thinness expectations, weight loss attempts, and weight cycling history was gathered using standard questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  More women than men reported currently dieting (43% vs. 26%; p<0.01). Moderate [OR=2.54; 95%CI: 1.01-6.45] and higher [OR=2.70; 95%CI: 1.07-6.80] levels of the thinness expectation score were significantly associated with the greater odds of weight cycling, independent of age, sex, BMI, and weight loss attempts.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data are the first to extend the pervasive and potent influence of thinness expectancy to middle-aged persons and in particular, to men.
authors.affiliation: Department of Exercise Science School of Public Health, The George Washington University, USA. olson29@illinois.edu
authors.forename: Erin A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Olson
authors.forename: Amanda J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Visek
authors.forename: Karen A
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: McDonnell
authors.forename: Loretta
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: DiPietro
mesh_terms: D059031:Anticipation, Psychological; D001642:Bicycling / Q000523:psychology; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004038:Diet, Reducing / Q000523:psychology; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012737:Sex Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs