New Studies Focus on Identifying the Most Effective Weight Loss Motivation Techniques

Most people don't have any trouble starting a new diet; in fact, recent surveys indicate that as many of one-third of all American adults consider themselves to be following a weight-loss regimen at any given time. These survey results also indicate that the most popular times to start new diets include Mondays, the first calendar day of the month, and the weeks following the New Year.

Starting a diet may not be a problem -- but staying on that diet long enough to see real results is often a major challenge for men and women seeking to shed excess pounds. Most people who start new diets quit them within a month. Even more distressing is the news that constantly starting new diets -- a practice commonly referred to as "yo-yo dieting" -- can actually have a harmful impact on health.

Taking all of this into consideration, researchers around the world have been exploring the role of motivation in weight loss, looking for the things that will help overweight and obese people stick it out until their battle is won. This week, we'll take a look at the most striking recent findings to emerge from the field of weight loss motivation.

Researchers Clash over Controversial "Park Avenue Diet"

The next in a long line of popular, "name brand" diets to emerge in recent years, the Park Avenue Diet focuses specifically on the issue of weight loss motivation. The plan's weight loss regimen in and of itself is not that revolutionary -- basically, it sticks to the basic formula of complex carbohydrates, whole grains, and low-GI fruits and veggies that many other recent diet plans have suggested.

However, what's different about the Park Avenue Diet is that it places a major focus on dieters' external appearance during the weight loss process. Along with visits for blood work and nutritional consultations, dieters who pay the $950 fee can also schedule appointments for beauty parlor pampering, such as highlights and spa treatments. The objective is to help dieters gain confidence in their appearance while shedding pounds and keep them focused on gradually improving their look over time.

While experts agree that this approach to weight loss may be motivating, some decry the diet as overly superficial. Keri Gans, spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, asserted that successful weight loss efforts should focus on participants' health, rather than their hair color.

Social Support is a rucial Part of Weight Loss Motivation

In the past, it was widely assumed that willpower and determination were the most important ingredients in a successful weight loss effort. However, a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill indicates that finding a social network of like-minded weight loss buddies may be more helpful.

The researchers analyzed the weight loss data from the Framingham Heart Study, one of the largest longitudinal diet studies ever conducted. Specifically, the scientists sought to determine how the social environments of both successful and unsuccessful dieters may have played a role in the outcome of their weight loss efforts.

Across the board, the researchers found that the most successful dieters were those who had a substantial social network to fall back on during the weight loss process. Examples of healthy social environments that were identified in the study included weight-loss groups, low-fat or low-carb cooking classes, gyms, exercise classes, running clubs or outdoor enthusiast groups. Conversely, social activities that ran counter to weight loss and good health were found to stymie successful dieting outcomes.

Money May Motivate Some Dieters to Achieve Weight Loss Success

Some dieters are motivated by a desire to improve their health, while others find comfort in the thought of being able to wear more fashionable clothes. But according to a study conducted by researchers at the RTI International research institute, the promise of cold, hard cash may be the most powerful motivator for some men and women seeking to shed pounds.

With health care costs and insurance premiums rising, many companies are looking for programs that can promote healthier lifestyles among employees. According to the study's results, paying employees for pounds lost can be a very effective means of achieving this goal. Even when the payout was as little as $7 for each pound lost, the results were encouraging. The study's authors said that more companies may look to cash incentives as a solution as the obesity epidemic continues to contribute to spiraling health care costs.

If you're having difficulty with weight loss motivation, your physician or another licensed health care practitioner may be able help you connect with the professional resources you need to make your diet work. Check back each week for the breaking research news that can help you succeed in your weight loss journey.