Weight change, psychological well-being, and vitality in adults participating in a cognitive-behavioral weight loss program.

Abstract

Excess weight has been associated with numerous psychological problems, including depression and anxiety. This study examined the impact of intentional weight loss on the psychological well-being of adults participating in three clinical weight loss interventions. This population consisted of 588 overweight or obese individuals randomized into one of three weight loss interventions of incremental intensity for 12 months. Psychological well-being was measured at baseline and 6, and 12 months using the Psychological Well-Being Index. Mean weight loss was 5.0 pounds at 12 months. Weight change at 12 months was associated with higher overall psychological well-being (r = -.20, p < .001), lower levels of anxiety (r = -.16, p = .001) and depression (r = -.13, p = .004), and higher positive well-being (r = -.19, p < .001), self-control (r = -.13, p = .004), and vitality (r = -.22, p < .001). Vitality was found to be the best predictor of weight change at 12 months (p < .001). Weight loss was associated with positive changes in psychological well-being. Increased vitality contributed the largest percentage of variance to this change.