Mindset plays a measurable role in long-term weight reduction success, with studies showing autonomous motivation and iterative approaches predict sustained loss better than diet alone. Self-determination theory links feelings of autonomy and competence to higher adherence, exercise, and 3-year weight maintenance in trials.
Key Mechanisms
Growth mindset views challenges as growth opportunities, boosting self-efficacy and resilience against setbacks, unlike fixed mindsets prone to yo-yo dieting. Iterative mindset—experimenting, relapsing briefly, and adapting—emerged as the sole pattern in 51 long-term losers from the National Weight Control Registry, correlating with 2+ years maintenance.
Evidence from Studies
In SDT-based interventions, autonomous regulation post-treatment predicted 20-36 month weight control, outperforming controlled motivation. Qualitative analyses of successful losers highlight psychological shifts like intrinsic motivation explaining 16-month outcomes beyond initial loss. A mindset app trial raised iterative scores, habit formation, and average 2.76% loss.
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