The motivational role of realistic and unrealistic weight targets in body-weight loss Experiences with a cognitive behavioral body-weight loss program

Introduction: Obesity has become one of the most challenging issues, as the excess body-weight is a risk factor for numerous chronic diseases and has serious psychological and social consequences. The cognitive behavioral approach to weight loss had been shown an effective treatment, in which realistic weight target setting is essential, because unrealistic expectations can hinder the effort for a successful long-term weight management. Objective: The objective of our prospective study was to investigate as to how weight loss is influenced by realistic and unrealistic weight targets in a cognitive behavioral weight loss program. We hypothesized that the participants come with unrealistic weight loss expectations, which become more realistic by the end of the program and remain realistic for the follow-up. In addition, a positive change was expected in the eating behavior of the participants during the program. Method: The program was completed by 63 people, 49 subjects participated in the 1-year follow-up. Anthropometric data were obtained and the participants were asked to fill in the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire-Revised 21 items and the Goals and Relative Weights Questionnaire. Results: According to the results, the program is effective, since nearly 90% of the participants reached at least 5-10% weight loss as expected by professional weight loss methods. Besides weight loss there were positive changes in the participants' eating behavior; weight targets became more realistic. Weight loss was inversely related to the difference between actual and dream, actual and desired as well as between actual and acceptable weight. Conclusion: Our results in accordance with previous studies show that cognitive behavioral weight loss programs can be effective; however, setting up realistic weight targets can be crucial in successful weight loss.