ATTRIBUTES OF SUCCESSFUL APPROACHES TO WEIGHT-LOSS AND CONTROL

Most weight loss treatments result in only temporary losses, followed by slow regain. This paper examines those factors that are correlated with the most favorable results in terms of loss and maintenance of lo ss. Weight loss is positively related to self-monitoring, goal setting , social support, and length of treatment. Maintenance of weight loss is correlated with regular physical activity, self-monitoring, and con tinued contact with therapists. Regain is associated with inconsistent and restrictive dieting, life stress, negative coping style, and emot ional or binge eating patterns. The implications drawn from these find ings are (a) normalize eating patterns, (b) emphasize exercise, (c) en sure social support, (d) set realistic goal weights, (e) focus on heal th rather than appearance, (f) focus on self-esteem, and (g) target bi nge eating.