Could Optimism Be Bad For Weight Loss?
A Japanese study suggests that too much optimism, at least in the early stages of a weight loss journey, could be detrimental to success.
Researchers looked at the personality traits of obese subjects who were already undergoing a dietary, exercise and counselling program. Here were some of the findings, published in the journal BioPsychoSocial Medicine:
- Patients who started the program with high levels of optimistic characteristics were less likely to lose weight.
- Patients who were able to improve their self-awareness through counseling were more likely to lose weight than those who were not.
- Optimism improved for most patients after the six months, although this was not related to weight loss.
Interestingly, this study parallels other studies that being unhappy can lead to better motivation, and hence better performance in university.
The researchers also note that increased optimism can lead to better results in maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Real World Application
Is it a bad thing to be optimistic about your fat loss? Probably not, although I think this study points to having a healthy dose of pessimism initially, and a steady dose of optimism upon seeing results.
I can't help but wonder though if they discerned between "optimism" and "realism." I'm no psychologist, but my guess is that if your goals are realistic, then optimism would be a good thing? My instinct is that there is an optimism/realism continuum, and one must strike the right balance.
Put it this way: If your goals aren't realistic, your level of optimism won't mean squat.
Also noteworthy, studies have demonstrated that an optimistic outlook is associated with longevity, as well as reduced risk of heart disease.
The results smack of a very familiar condition called "New Year's Resolution-itis" - going head first into their new lifestyle with too much optimism, and not enough of a realistic outlook.
It really does make sense that the optimism would be better placed AFTER seeing some results. This is where most people need the most optimism, the point at which most people fall off the wagon.
Bottom line: There's nothing wrong with being optimistic, provided your expectations are realistic.
Source: Telegraph
9 Comments
Add Your Comment
ADVERTISING
New
- FROM DIET BLOG
- On-Off Fasting: Does It Work?
- 400 Calorie Fix
- 5 Factor World Diet
- Quick Giveaway: Powerhouse Weight Loss Game
- FORUM
- Low Carb Atkins Diet- Tips to Cut the Carbs.
- How Can I Gain a Healthy Weight and Keep it?
- How Do I Eat Healthy at University?
- Starving Myself and Exercising, But Not Losing an Ounce?
Categories
| Body Image Celebrities Diet Pills Diets Exercise |
Fast Food Funny Stuff Success Stories Teens and Kids Tips and Tools |
RSS Feed
Follow @DietBlog on Twitter
I agree goals should be realistic, but why focus on the negative instead of the positive?
ReplyWhy do people go from polarity to the next? This isn't a swing session in the park. What's stated in this study is something I figured out long ago. In my teens in Karate class.
Expanding this further, here's a thought:
Guess what? I ain't optimistic, but I'm not pessimistic either. I'm REAL. I don't sugar coat so the people I train hear what they need to hear.
There is encouragement, there is screaming, there are some intense but also some pat on the back moments. THAT'S where true results lie... in being REAL. Consequently, this is WHY realistic goals are easier to achieve... because you aren't dwelling in lala land, neither are you being some victim.
ReplyI absolutely agree that setting realistic short & long term goals is a must. Don't set yourself up for failure like saying I need to lose 20 pounds in a month OR like a lady I trained years ago who wanted her hips to be smaller & she was a pear shape BUT she also did not want to do the work necessary to get there & wanted results yesterday.
I think always having a good attitude & finding things that you like to eat & do as part of your weight loss journey is key. There are many ways to lose weight & eat right so why not find what is best for you versus what your neighbor or friend is doing if you are not going to like it.
ReplyPeople like that don't understand that it's NO PAIN NO GAIN. Literally that's what's involved. Not for the faint of heart.
ReplyI think some of this may be true. When I was first starting to lose weight, I was realistic about how much I was losing and the time frame, but now that I've lost the weight and have other friends that are also trying to lose some, I see a lot of people with unrealistic goals that do quit after a short while. Mostly, I hear stuff like "Wow, my pants are already fitting more loosely, I bet I'll be down a size by the end of the week!" or "What the heck? I lost 3 lbs last week and only 1 lb this week! I must be doing something wrong and I suck at losing weight, so I'll just give up on this whole ordeal".
I always had this mindset: I changed my diet and exercise habits and every time I dropped a size, I was pleasantly surprised. I never had any time goals or anything like that. That way, I was always surprised in a good way.
ReplyHow do these glorified surveys get funded.. "Also noteworthy, studies have demonstrated that an optimistic outlook is associated with longevity, as well as reduced risk of heart disease." ... WOWEEEEE.. that's awesome, WHAT DO YOU WANT US TO DO ABOUT IT? Lets increase everyone's optimism and.. never mind about smoking or salt etc.. but, yea,..
ReplyThis is only true if you make it about weight, and if you look at fitness as a short term issue.
That is the root of the problem. Weight is more of a symptom.
But, yeah, if we make it all about how much a person weighs, this makes sense.
ReplyYou've got to be kidding me. People have got to use a little common sense. The results of that study can be twisted in any way desired. When dealing with intangibles, like optimism, too many variables exist to create truly usable information, anyway.
Set SMART goals, be optimistic/real if you want to, and then work hard.
"That's all I have to say about that."
Best,
Sunny
I know the price of success: dedication, hard work, and an unremitting devotion to the things you want to see happen. --Frank Lloyd Wright
ReplyI am always optimistic and it has helped me to stay focused and achieve my goals. I believe that it is optimism about realistic goals that is the key. Have short term goals and focus on them rather than the ultimate goal that might be too big.
Realistic short term goals with motivation to succeed.
Reply