A comparative investigation of varying success in maintaining weight loss

In general, the level of overt behavior did not differentiate these two groups of subjects. The Maintainers were more consistent in their weight management strategies but both groups used similar sorts of behavioral techniques. Regainers reported significantly more life stress than did Maintainers, although it was not possible in the project to arrive at an unequivocal interpretation of this difference in reported life stressors. Several differences between groups of subjects were found on the level of symbolization of behavior. The Maintainers demonstrated an increase in self-definition not shown by the Regainers. Also, the role of the ego ideal for both groups relative to their current self-descriptions appeared to be of critical importance in differentiating these subjects.

In addition to the aforementioned group differences, this project also resulted in the discovery of two types of Maintainers: Self-focused and Other-focused. The Other-focused Maintainers demonstrated behavioral control of their weight and an increased ability to circumscribe their weight problem. They remained other-oriented and did not show a well-delineated ability to articulate connections between their internal experiences and their overt behavior. Self-focused Maintainers demonstrated a strong internal focus and a high level of mastery over their weight problem. They articulated and integrated connections between their internal experiences and their overt behavior which fostered their successful weight control efforts.

Finally, this project focuses in detail on the role of the Dominant Internalized Other in overweight women as it appeared to be a salient parameter for this sample. Implications for assisting overweight women and a discussion of obesity in the context of the larger existential issue of self-definition versus relatedness to others were also discussed.