Positive psychological correlates of successful weight maintenance in Australia

• DOI: 10.1111/cp.12073
• Publication Date: 2015-07-08T04:42:54Z
• Authors: Sharon Robertson; Matthew Davies; Helen Winefield
• Keywords: Flourishing; Gratitude; Positive Psychology; Affect; Well-Being; Psychological Well-Being

BackgroundWeight loss maintenance is a complex and an enduring problem. A substantial amount of research subsequent treatments have been based on behavioural medical interventions with limited success. Much less known regarding reliable psychological predictors successful weight maintenance, especially those related to the field positive psychology that aims improve health happiness. This cross‐sectional study among first explore differences between maintainers (defined as losing 10% body maintaining this for at least 12 months) non‐maintainers in non‐clinical Australian population.MethodParticipants were 250 residents, aged 18 65 years, who had attempted lose over last months. An online survey method recorded satisfaction life, negative affect, gratitude, flourishing, strengths, hope.ResultsResults suggest there are significant some variables population. Maintainers reported frequency mood agentic thinking component hope, both correlates health. In addition, engaged more frequent diet, exercise, self‐weighing behaviours comparison non‐maintainers.ConclusionsGiven lack success general, it may be important recognise addition recommended better physical health, specific existing treatment protocols motivation, service encouraging effective behaviour.