Abstract

JORGE, Rui et al. Behavioral and psychological predictors of weight loss and long-term weight loss maintenance: a conceptual review of reviews. Acta Port Nutr [online]. 2019, n.17, pp.16-20. ISSN 2183-5985.  https://doi.org/10.21011/apn.2019.1703.

Despite the increasing research on weight management, weight loss and weight loss maintenance remain a challenge for most of those trying to manage their weight. Identifying key factors in weight management is therefore essential to make obesity interventions more effective. This conceptual review of reviews aims to assemble the state of the art in what concerns the behavioural and psychosocial predictors of weight loss and weight loss maintenance in the long run, in individuals with overweight and obesity involved in lifestyle interventions. The main predictors of successful long-term weight loss and maintenance are those directly affecting energy balance, either by increasing energy expenditure through physical activity, or by reducing energy intake through increased protein intake and dietary fiber, and reduced fat and sugar intake. Higher perception of self-efficacy for healthy eating, physical activity and weight management, as well as self-regulatory skills, like self-monitoring of weight and related behaviors seem to be key ancillary factors. Fewer previous weight loss attempts is the only consistent pretreatment predictor of successful long-term weight management, potentially because a history of recurrent dieting attempts can be related to a psychological profile that is more vulnerable to failure, characterized by attitudes of skepticism and passivity.

Keywords : Weight loss maintenance; Weight loss; Predictors; Review of reviews.

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