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. 2015 Dec:81:357-60.
doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2015.10.001. Epub 2015 Oct 20.

The gap between expectations and reality of exercise-induced weight loss is associated with discouragement

Diana M Thomas  1 , Theodore K Kyle  2 , Fatima Cody Stanford  3
Affiliations

The gap between expectations and reality of exercise-induced weight loss is associated with discouragement

Diana M Thomas et al. Prev Med. 2015 Dec.

Abstract

Background: Exercise interventions result in modest weight loss, yet exercise is frequently prescribed for weight loss.

Purpose: To identify individuals who become discouraged when exercise fails to achieve weight loss.

Methods: Representative samples of U.S. adults were recruited using Google Consumer Surveys in August-October 2014. Respondents were asked about beliefs and potential discouragement regarding the role of exercise and weight loss. An analysis of variance was performed to predict individuals that become discouraged if exercise does not lead to weight loss.

Results: The belief that exercise is a very effective way to lose weight was common (71% of respondents). Stronger belief that exercise is an effective way to lose weight (p<0.001) in individuals with higher weight status (p=0.04) positively predicted discouragement with exercise. Higher weight status combined with the belief that exercise reduces weight was a significant positive predictor of discouragement (p=0.01).

Conclusions: Individuals with higher weight status that believe that exercise is an effective way to lose weight are more likely to become discouraged when exercise does not lead to weight loss. Prescribing exercise for weight loss might contribute to discouragement. Future studies should evaluate ways to encourage exercise without promoting the belief that exercise will yield weight loss.

Keywords: Exercise; Obesity; Overweight; Weight loss; Weight status.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest

DMT was a consultant for Jenny Craig from 2011 to 2013 and has a patent pending for “System and method for predicting fetal and maternal health risks.” TKK reports personal fees from Novo Nordisk, personal fees from 3D Communications, personal fees from EnteroMedics, and personal fees from Eisai, outside the submitted work. FCS is on the Speaker's Bureau for the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and serves as a content editor for Ebsco/Dynamed.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
How strongly do you agree or disagree? Exercise is a very effective way to lose weight. Results for respondents with demographics. Weighted by age, gender, and region (941 responses).
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
How strongly do you agree or disagree? Because it's hard to lose weight with exercise, sometimes I get discouraged from exercising. Results for respondents with demographics. Weighted by age and gender (337 responses).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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