Behavioral and psychological factors affecting weight loss success

Kristina Pigsborg*, Anastasia Z Kalea, Stefano De Dominicis, Faidon Magkos*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReviewResearchpeer-review

5 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose of review: There is a large variability between individuals in the weight loss response to any given diet treatment, which fuels interest into personalized or precision nutrition. Although most efforts are directed toward identifying biological or metabolic factors, several behavioral and psychological factors can also be responsible for some of this interindividual variability.

Recent findings: There are many factors that can influence the response to dietary weight loss interventions, including factors related to eating behavior (emotional eating, disinhibition, restraint, perceived stress), behaviors and societal norms related to age and sex, psychological and personal factors (motivation, self-efficacy, locus of control, self-concept), and major life events.

Summary: The success of a weight loss intervention can be influenced by many psychological and behavioral constructs and not merely by physiological factors such as biology and genetics. These factors are difficult to capture accurately and are often overlooked. Future weight loss studies should consider assessing such factors to better understand the underlying reasons for the large interindividual variability to weight loss therapy.
Original languageEnglish
JournalCurrent Obesity Reports
Volume12
Pages (from-to)223-230
ISSN2162-4968
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • Faculty of Science
  • Obesity
  • Weight management
  • Behavioral factors
  • Psychological factors
  • Weight loss

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