Why dreaming too big can make losing weight harder
The motivational role of realistic and unrealistic weight targets in body-weight loss: Experiences with a cognitive behavioral body-weight loss program
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
People trying to lose weight often wish for a much lighter body, but this study found that those who set goals closer to what’s realistic ended up losing more weight.
No biological mechanisms were identified in this study. This may be an epidemiological, observational, or survey-based study that reports associations rather than proposing causal biological pathways.
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Max 100Randomized Controlled Trials
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Max 72Case-Control Studies
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Evidence Score
Groups of people are followed over time to see who develops an outcome. Strong for identifying risk factors and associations, but cannot prove causation as firmly as RCTs.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
People trying to lose weight often wish for a much lighter body, but this study found that those who set goals closer to what’s realistic ended up losing more weight.
No biological mechanisms were identified in this study. This may be an epidemiological, observational, or survey-based study that reports associations rather than proposing causal biological pathways.
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Max 100Randomized Controlled Trials
Max 90Cohort Studies
Max 72Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional Studies
Max 44Case Reports & Case Series
Max 30Expert Opinion & Narrative Reviews
Max 540 / 72
Evidence Score
Groups of people are followed over time to see who develops an outcome. Strong for identifying risk factors and associations, but cannot prove causation as firmly as RCTs.
Publication
Authors
Perczel-Forintos D, Kohlné Papp I, Vizin G, Kiss-Leizer M
Related Content
Claims (6)
Among obese adults in weight loss therapy, those whose perceived ideal weight is closer to their current weight tend to lose more weight.
In a real-world clinical setting, about 9 out of 10 obese adults who finished a 24-week cognitive behavioral program lost at least 5% to 10% of their body weight.
Adults with obesity who complete a 24-week psychological program focused on changing eating habits show measurable improvements in how they eat, based on standardized assessments.
People who set specific long-term weight loss goals do not necessarily lose more weight, and may be less likely to succeed if their goals are not realistic.
Among obese adults in a 24-week weight loss program, those who lost more weight tended to have weight goals that were closer to their actual starting weight.