When you have more willpower or self-control you are more likely to lose weight, be physically active, consume fewer calories from fat and attend weight loss group meetings, said the Miriam research team. However, they also said in their study, which is published online by the journal Obesity Research and Clinical Practice in advance of print publication, that the same was also true for participants who experienced an increase in self-control during a six-month behavioural weight loss treatment programme.
According to lead author Tricia M. Leahey, PhD, there have been surprisingly few studies focusing on the impact of self-control on weight loss: ‘Of course it makes sense that if you have more ‘willpower’ you’ll do better in a weight loss program; however, this phenomena is surprisingly understudied. Our study is the first to examine whether practicing acts of self-control during weight loss is linked to an increase in self-control and better weight loss outcomes, although other research has demonstrated this effect in the area of smoking cessation.’
She added that like ‘building a muscle’ you can also improve your self control; ‘The more you ‘exercise’ it by eating a low fat diet, working out even when you don’t feel like it, and going to group meetings when you’d rather stay home, the more you’ll increase and strengthen your self-control ‘muscle’ and quite possibly lose more weight and improve your health.’
The team found that when participants had greater ‘natural’ self-control, they as opposed to those with less willpower achieved a 10% percent weight loss, which is vital to your wellbeing if you’re obese as this amount of weight loss can reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and other illnesses linked to obesity. Then, when given behavioural training, individuals who demonstrated increases in self-control from pre- to post-treatment achieved a significantly higher weight loss, attended more group meetings, engaged in more minutes of physical activity and ate a healthier diet.
Leahey concluded by saying ‘Our findings suggest that self-control is potentially malleable and the practice of inhibiting impulses may help people lose weight, eat healthier and increase their physical activity. Future weight loss treatments may consider targeting self-control, or willpower, as a way to enhance outcomes.’