The role of self-efficacy, coping, and lapses in weight maintenance.
OBJECTIVE
Successful weight maintenance after weight loss is exceedingly rare. The present study aimed to identify psychological predictors of lapses and weight maintenance.


METHODS
Self-efficacy, coping, and perceptions of lapses were examined as potential predictors of lapse frequency and weight maintenance (percentage weight loss maintained). Participants included 67 adults (85.3 % women) who had intentionally lost a mean of 16 % of their body weight and had stopped losing weight at least 6 months prior to data collection. Participants completed a 7-day lapse diary tracking the frequency and perceived severity of their dietary and activity lapses, along with questionnaires on self-efficacy, coping, and characteristics of their weight loss.


RESULTS
Participants had lost a mean of 13.9 kg, 20.4 months prior to data collection. More frequent lapsing was correlated with lower self-efficacy and greater perceived lapse severity. Lower percentage of weight loss maintained was correlated with lower self-efficacy, poorer coping, greater perceived lapse severity, and longer time since weight loss ended. “Regainers,” who maintained <90 % of their weight loss, had poorer self-efficacy, poorer coping, greater lapse frequency, and greater perceived lapse severity, than “maintainers,” who maintained at least 90 % of their weight loss.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that self-efficacy, coping, and perceived lapse severity are significant predictors of weight maintenance, consistent with the relapse prevention model. The goals of improving self-efficacy and coping skills might be important additions to weight maintenance programs.
Janet D
JD
Latner
Geraldine
G
McLeod
Kerry S
KS
O'Brien
Lucy
L
Johnston
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001835:Body Weight; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D050177:Overweight / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology*; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D020377:Self Efficacy; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D015431:Weight Loss