2018 Volume 31 Issue 1 Pages 53-59
Psychosocial influences on weight regain after weight loss interventions for obesity were investigated. Obese patients (N=33) participated in a 6-month weight loss program and a follow-up survey. The participant's psychosocial characteristics were assessed using the Tokyo University Egogram (TEG) before and after the intervention. In the follow-up survey, we inquired about the current weight status, changes in weight status and evaluation of diet and exercise management. Results indicated statistically significant positive correlations between the Free Child ego state (FC) in the TEG and food intake. Moreover, those that responded “I have regained weight” in the follow-up survey had more changes in FC scores during the program compared to those that responded: “I have not regained weight,” indicative of differences between self-reported food intake and subjective evaluation of weight-regain. These participants judged that they could well-control their food intake, but also responded “I have regained weight.” It is possible that these participants have an optimistic cognitive bias that “I could do it” because of the optimistic characteristics of FC, although they could not control their diet.
