Weight change, psychological well-being, and vitality in adults participating in a cognitive-behavioral weight loss program.
OBJECTIVE
Excess weight has been associated with numerous psychological problems, including depression and anxiety. This study examined the impact of intentional weight loss on the psychological well-being of adults participating in three clinical weight loss interventions.


METHODS
This population consisted of 588 overweight or obese individuals randomized into one of three weight loss interventions of incremental intensity for 12 months. Psychological well-being was measured at baseline and 6, and 12 months using the Psychological Well-Being Index.


RESULTS
Mean weight loss was 5.0 pounds at 12 months. Weight change at 12 months was associated with higher overall psychological well-being (r = -.20, p < .001), lower levels of anxiety (r = -.16, p = .001) and depression (r = -.13, p = .004), and higher positive well-being (r = -.19, p < .001), self-control (r = -.13, p = .004), and vitality (r = -.22, p < .001). Vitality was found to be the best predictor of weight change at 12 months (p < .001).


CONCLUSIONS
Weight loss was associated with positive changes in psychological well-being. Increased vitality contributed the largest percentage of variance to this change.
Ferkauf Graduate School of Psychology, Yeshiva University, Bronx, NY 10461, USA. Charles.Swencionis@einstein.yu.edu
Charles
C
Swencionis
Judith
J
Wylie-Rosett
Michelle R
MR
Lent
Mindy
M
Ginsberg
Christopher
C
Cimino
Sylvia
S
Wassertheil-Smoller
Arlene
A
Caban
Carol-Jane
CJ
Segal-Isaacson
D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D009765:Obesity / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D050177:Overweight / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D015431:Weight Loss; D061217:Weight Reduction Programs / Q000379:methods*