Good intentions Unrealistic goals when losing weight lead to better success

Physicians are studying the influence of expectation on weight loss
Losing weight is difficult for many people. Researchers now found that the key to successful weight loss is a setting with unrealistic expectations. When people set an ambitious or unrealistic dream weight as their goal, they lose more weight on average.

Researchers at the University of Nottingham found in an investigation that unrealistic weight loss goals lead to greater success. The physicians published the results of their study in the journal "The Journal of Human Nutrition".

Many people want to get rid of excess pounds. But how exactly do our expectations and set goals affect weight loss? (Picture: Picture-Factory / fotolia.com)

Set yourself unrealistic goals
At the beginning of every year, many people start to do more sports or at least lose a few kilograms of weight. But most of these people do not reach their destination and do not really manage to lose weight permanently. The reason for this could already be in the expectations. If those affected set unrealistic goals, they lose weight, say the experts.

Scientists are studying 24,000 subjects for their study
The current study examined 24,000 overweight people. All subjects performed a weight loss program. If the participants set an ambitious dream weight as their goal, they lost on average more (about 19 percent of their body weight), say the doctors. People who set achievable goals were far fewer off.

Current advice builds on realistic weight loss goals
January is the most popular time of year to start a diet or a diet change. The new findings of the research are really important in maximizing the chances of success, says study author Amanda Avery of the University of Nottingham. The current discussions have been designed around realistic weight loss goals. This should protect those affected from disappointment.

Limits to weight loss goals can be a hindrance
Current research suggests that limits to weight loss goals can be a hindrance. It is important that people have longings and can achieve their own success, researchers say. If people really want to achieve a goal personally while losing weight, that motivates those affected the most. If your goal is actually the dream weight, you will be far more willing to do it, the experts add.

Results of the study:
In the UK alone, around a quarter of people are in the obesity category according to their Body Mass Index (BMI). For those affected, the weight seriously affects their health, say the doctors. For this reason, it is important that such people desperately lose weight. The new study now found that people lose more weight when they have bigger goals. If those affected wanted to lose about 27 percent of their body weight, the result was an average of 19 percent, the authors explain. When people had a target of 16 to 21 percent, they lost about 14 percent. A modest goal of 10 percent only meant that the subjects achieved exactly this goal. (As)