Personality Traits Associated with Weight Maintenance among Successful Weight Losers

Abstract

Objective The influence of personality traits on successful weight loss has been studied previously with conflicting findings. Much less is known about the influence of personality traits on weight maintenance after weight loss. The aims of this study were to assess how personality traits were associated with motivational factors, dietary habits, self-weighing frequency, need for support, and difficulties encountered during the weight loss process in formerly successful weight maintainers. MethodsThis study was based upon findings from the Finnish Weight Control Registry, including 158 (100 women and 58 men, age 18-60 years) formerly obese participants with ≥10% weight loss and who maintained it ≥ 2 years. Data were collected through electronic forms and personality traits were assessed according to the Five Factor Model with the Finnish version of the Ten Item Personality Inventory. ResultsPersonality traits neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness were associated with motivational factors, self-weighing frequency, dietary habits, support, and difficulties during the weight loss process. Sex differences were observed. ConclusionsPersonality traits may be important in successful long-term weight maintenance after weight loss. Our results might not be generalizable in other populations because only Caucasians were included. The small sample size needs to be considered.