We’ve all heard that the weight loss equation is simple: eat less than you expend and you will lose weight. But is it that simple?
The study was conducted at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the University of Kentucky. Researchers looked at two different types of motivation: autonomous and controlled, and their effect on weight loss. A questionnaire was administered to potential participants to identify those who were motivated internally versus externally. Autonomous, or internal motivation, is that derived by feeling that meeting your goals is the best way to help yourself and that changes should be made for yourself, not for others. External, or controlled motivation comes from pressure from others or feelings of guilt. Motivation was measured 4 times during the 16-week study.
After the 16 weeks, researchers divided participants into those who had and who had not lost 5% of their body weight. Those that were successful experienced sustained autonomous motivation over time, while those that were not able to lose weight experienced a decrease in both autonomous and controlled motivation over time.
Autonomous motivation was found to be a significant predictor of adherence to weight loss goals. There was also a time factor. The authors write, "It appears that the time period between 4 and 8 weeks may be an important window for weight control programs to consider using techniques designed to enhance autonomous motivation, including giving more intense support or different types of interventions, such as activities to enhance autonomous motivation or contact from a weight-loss counsellor in the form of e-mails, phone calls, or face-to-face meetings."
"It is possible that motivation measured a few weeks after the study has begun more accurately captures motivation than baseline motivation for weight loss since participants have become familiar with the behavior changes that will be necessary for weight loss and can better gauge their motivation for making those changes. These findings suggest that building motivation may be an effective means of promoting adherence and weight loss."
