Means Yield to Ends in Weight Loss: Focusing on “How” vs “Why” Aspects of Losing Weight Can Lead to Poorer Regulation of Dietary Practices

Abstract

M ILLIONS OF TIPS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF impulse-related behaviors such as weight control are available through books, the media, or online resources. However, it appears that the high availability of weight-loss tips is not correlated with improved weight reduction among obese patients and the public. The weak link between highly available tips and better weight control raises an intriguing question: Is adopting a means-focused approach toward weight reduction the best strategy? Recent advances in research on the connection between construal levels and self-control suggest that, relative to high-level construals (highlighting central goals), low-level construals (highlighting means and resources) can impair self-control. In this article, the primary purpose is to discuss how construing weight reduction at low levels (ie, a means-focused approach) can induce decreased self-control, thereby leading to poor regulation of dietary behaviors. An experimental study is also reported to show that a low-level construal (means-focused) mindset vs a high-level construal (goal-focused) mindset regarding weight loss would lead to poorer control over dietary practice.