[fusion_builder_container background_color=”” background_image=”” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ background_repeat=”no-repeat” background_position=”left top” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_webm=”” video_mp4=”” video_ogv=”” video_preview_image=”” overlay_color=”” overlay_opacity=”0.5″ video_mute=”yes” video_loop=”yes” fade=”no” border_size=”0px” border_color=”” border_style=”” padding_top=”20″ padding_bottom=”20″ padding_left=”” padding_right=”” hundred_percent=”no” equal_height_columns=”no” hide_on_mobile=”no” menu_anchor=”” class=”” id=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][fusion_text]Research and clinical experience have identified predictors of long-term weight loss and weight loss maintenance. Knowing these factors can dispel some myths about what it takes for weight loss success and focus your efforts on what counts. Three types of factors have been pinpointed for success: personal, process and treatment factors.

femdoc-malepatient-200x300Personal factors that predict success are higher initial body weight and higher sense of personal effectiveness. High initial body weights actually predict better success than lower weights! Being determined and convinced that you can make a difference is critical. Process factors that predict success are regular involvement in the program and early weight loss. Greater initial weight loss, once shunned, actually “boosts” weight loss success. Active and regular involvement through daily food and exercise logs, weekly checklists and provider visits lead to more weight loss than less rigorous efforts.

Several treatment factors also predict success. These include longer active treatment, at least 22 weeks; social support during treatment (web support, mentors, spouses or friends); increased physical activity and behavior modification education. Internet behavioral therapy used at betterMD.net focuses on goal setting, cognitive restructuring (positive self talk) and self-monitoring.

Some issues simply didn’t matter. Personality or psychological test results did not predict success. Current or binge eating, although a concern by itself, did not predict weight loss failure. Certain obvious factors did predict failure with weight loss efforts. They were high degrees of personal stress and repeated short-term efforts.

Long-term maintenance is predicted by increased physical activity, regular self-monitoring (record keeping) and a positive coping and problem solving style. Continued contact with treatment, reduced medical problems due to obesity and normalization of eating patterns predict better weight loss maintenance. Negative life events and family dysfunction predicted problems during maintenance.

The betterMD.net Treatment Center, and betterMD Treatment Programs are designed to help you harness the resources required for success. We help achieve early weight loss for those at highest risk and continue to provide regular contact and support long-term. Our approach to Internet behavioral therapy is focused on improving your confidence and skills with healthy eating, increasing your fitness with regular exercise and being there for you long-term.

This article was originally published in a broadcast of the Health-e-Thoughts Newsletter(distributed by betterMD.net on December 12, 2001)

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