Psychological Effects Of Weight Loss

An estimated 40 percent of women and 25 percent of men in the U.S. are trying to lose weight, spending more than $40 billion each year to do so, according to Eleanor Whitney and Sharon Rolfes in "Understanding Nutrition." Although weight loss goals are elusive for many and few succeed at keeping weight off permanently, those who experience success report improvements well beyond increased physical health.

Self-esteem

Actual weight loss predicted increased self-esteem in a meta-analysis of 117 weight loss treatments reviewed by Bruce Blaine in the January 2007 issue of the "Journal of Health Psychology." Self-esteem indicates self-respect or confidence and satisfaction in yourself.

Depressive Symptoms

Intentional weight loss consistently reduces negative emotions such as depression and anxiety in obese patients in the short term, according to G. Terence Wilson, PhD in the October 1, 1993 issue of "Annals of Internal Medicine." In a meta-analysis of 117 weight loss treatment tests, Bruce Blaine, in a January 2007 "Journal of Health Psychology" article, reported weight loss treatment was associated with lowered depression independent of actual weight loss.

Social Interactions

Social interactions with others reportedly increase with weight loss. Mary Kiem and colleagues in the 1997 volume 62 issue 2 of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" indicated that individuals successful at long term weight loss reported that their time spent interacting with others increased and that social interactions increased with members of the same sex, members of the opposite sex and with strangers.

Overall Mood

Weight loss affects other areas of life, including general mood, level of energy and self-confidence. More than 90 percent of 784 adults who had been successful at maintaining a weight loss of at least 30 pounds for more than a year self-reported improvements in these areas, according to Mary Kiem and colleagues in the 1997 volume 62 issue 2 of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition."

Psychological Well-being

Improvement in psychological well-being from intentional weight loss, although seldom precisely defined or quantified, is generally reported, according to Bruce Blaine in the January 2007 issue of the "Journal of Health Psychology." The five percent of people who lose weight and manage to maintain a new lower weight for five years make lifestyle changes including improved nutrition, regular physical activity and have a support system that contribute to their sense of well-being, according to Kathleen Mahan and Sylvia Escott-Stump in "Krause's Food, Nutrition & Diet Therapy."