Weight Loss

Weight Loss

Weight management, weight loss and weight maintenance are important subjects in today’s society. Being thin or fit is a desire for many people. Additionally, obesity is a major problem in many Western societies. So much so, that there is now a National Weight Control Registry, an association which gives much insight into weight maintenance.

For example, a strategy given by the order is that expenditure of energy on a voluntary basis leads to more weight loss and weight maintenance in the long run. Thus, people who prefer and enjoy activities that demand expenditure of physical effort lose or fail to gain weight simply by staying active. The statement comes as no surprise, as it is normal that someone who likes sports during their leisure time, is more likely to become and stay fit, than a person who only likes sedentary activities, especially if the latter see physical activities as a chore.

A thin woman. Image: Elena

Motivation psychology talks about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Intrinsic motivation comes from within, while extrinsic motivation has to do with external rewards. Thus, over the long run, to maintain weight loss or achieve weight maintenance, it is important to internalize the new, healthier eating and exercising habits. Self-determination theory (SDT) may play a role in securing program initiated change, since people perceive they voluntary commit to behavioural changes. One important aspect of losing weight, or body building, or other endeavours concerning health and wellness, remains with the necessity of satisfying psychological needs.

For instance, a recurrent stereotypical mental image is eating ice cream after a break up. While not everyone may eat frozen yogourt or ice cream following a separation or an end to a relationship, it seems warranted to conclude that many people “eat their emotions”. Thus, simply eliminating this behaviour may result in positive changes to one’s overall weight.