self-indulgence
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On average, 40% of people enrolled in weight loss programs abandon them within the first few 12 months. In their study of the role of self-compassion in this journey, researchers from the WELL Center asked 140 overweight or obese adults enrolled in a behavioral weight loss program to complete a seven-day assessment (EMA) to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences with dieting. The discovery was that Self-compassion, particularly self-kindness after an eating infraction, was associated with fewer negative moods and greater perceptions of self-control over weight loss behaviors in the hours afterward.. In short, embracing one’s (food) weaknesses could prove fundamental for those trying to lose weight, helping them to quickly get back on track after a setback.
conclusions
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The mechanism is well known to psychologists: cultivating flexibility and encouragement towards oneself can prove to be a valid help stay focused on the objectives set. It is normal to encounter moments of difficulty during your weight loss journey, such as a change in your diet or a few missed training sessions. But those who tend to be too rigid and critical risk considering these episodes failures and abandoning the efforts undertaken. A more understanding and compassionate attitude instead allows us to consider such setbacks for what they are, increasing the chances of getting back on the right path. The authors are convinced: “The results suggest that self-compassion after a dietary setback can prevent abandonment of goals,” they write. “And self-kindness appears to be the component most strongly associated with adaptive responses in the face of these inconveniences.”
