Behavioral patterns can influence weight loss
August 17, 2004
Everyone knows there are hundreds of ways to lose the weight, but the hardest part is keeping it off. Now there may be some good news out there for the "diet-failures" among us.
I found an interesting new study that says concentrating more on behavioral patterns than the size of your thighs may help keep the pounds off for good.
This is exactly what nutritionist Christy Morrell and I have been discussing. Hmm — it’s either an interesting piece of synchronicity or a universal nudge: "It’s not about sweat and starvation. It’s about your life."
Published in the July 2004 Nursing Science Quarterly and written up by Kelli Miller for WebMD Medical News, the study looked for the common factors in women who had successfully maintained a weight loss of 15 pounds to 144 pounds for a period of one to 27 years. Study author Diane Berry, a postdoctoral fellow at Yale School of Nursing, questioned the women about their childhood, their relationships with others, stable periods of time in life and major life-changing events.
Those who were successful exhibited six common trends. The patterns involved an initial period of chaos followed by a time of conscious decision-making and the development of new behaviors. Researchers say close study of the six patterns may shed new understanding on why some women can maintain weight loss while others cannot.
In pattern one, women exhibited self-consciousness, low self-esteem and a high sense of vulnerability before losing weight. They were naïve regarding events that contributed to their weight gain.
I can't claim naiveté on the why. But I did
have some pretty hefty vulnerability issues about my
heft. Pattern two involved problem recognition and a
readiness to change. Making a decision to lose
weight gave the women more overall energy, according
to the study.
I did feel energized in the initial "outing" phase. I thought writing a public journal would somehow change me into a disciplined, structured dieter and exerciser. Not!
Pattern three revealed the women taking control and engaging in behavior change. During this phase, women felt empowered and experienced a new sense of control over their lives.
We (and that would be the royal We) are still working on this part. I think it's safe to say Phase Three is a toughie. Life in the goldfish bowl has added its own stresses, and I’ve definitely had trouble in this area.
Pattern four showed women regularly incorporating the new behaviors into their life, such as routine exercise and food portion control. All women reported an increased awareness of food.
Hmm. When I exercise regularly, I do feel better both physically and mentally. But I still tend to overeat and undereat, no matter what my activity level. Pattern five showed that social support was immensely valuable in reinforcing behavior change. Attending weekly weight-loss meetings offered comfort and helped foster new friendships. Some women required more support than others.
I joined a new gym last week. I like the tone and tenor of the gym's message. And I haven't missed a work-out yet. Does that count?
Pattern six brought increased self-confidence, self-esteem and weight loss maintenance. Positive energy abounded across the group. Once women reached this step, weight loss was maintained.
When I get there, you'll be the first to know. Promise.
Source: www.mailtribune.com
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