In the last three decades, many alternative health care experts have been pushing consumers to have a positive attitude when it comes to losing weight. There are some people who believe that mind control is more important than physical exercise when it comes to weight loss.
Behavior therapies have been shown to be successful in helping people quit smoking, and have also been used in alcohol and drug addiction. Various types of behavioral therapies have developed to help people overcome their desire to eat food. However, until now it was always believed that these therapies were effective aids for weight loss.
Now a study shows that just thinking about lifestyle has little or no chance of success for weight loss. Just having a positive attitude is simply not good enough for weight loss.
The current study by researchers Professor Azeem Majeed and Dr. Nik Tuah of Imperial College, London, found no convincing evidence of any sustained or significant weight loss. This latest study looked at 4,000 people involved in five trials in America, Canada, Australia and Europe and looked at the step by step behavioral approach in helping people lose weight.
They looked at similar behavior approaches which have been used in many hospitals and clinic to help patients lose weight. These patients were followed for months. What researchers discovered is that this form of behavioral therapy only led to an average weight loss of 4.4 pounds. Worse, this minuscule weight loss was not sustained for any length of time. (1)
Professor Majeed, one of the authors of the study said, "Changing people's dietary patterns is very difficult - that's why we've got such a problem with obesity."
Dr. Tuah, another co-author, added: "This review does not necessarily challenge the notion that diet and exercise are effective weight loss strategies, but instead raises questions about how to approach lifestyle changes for individuals who want to adopt them."
Based on this study, it is obvious that changing one’s mindset is not adequate for weight loss.
In my opinion, weight loss is not an easy task and the results are not immediate. Consumers keep on turning to every new therapy which is introduced for instant gratification. In most cases, the majority of these treatments are ineffective and expensive.
If consumers want to lose weight, then they need to eat less and start some form of exercise -- even walking 45 minutess twice a day is acceptable. This method is known to work and costs nothing, but one needs to be persistent and motivated. (2)
Sources:
1. Tuah NA et al. Transtheoretical model for dietary and physical exercise modification in weight loss management for overweight and obese adults.
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21975777
2.Djousse L et al. Association between modifiable lifestyle factors and residual lifetime risk of diabetes.
Abstract: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21982361
Reviewed October 13, 2011
by Michele Blacksberg RN
Edited by Jody Smith