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The Mental Aspect of Weight Loss

National Weight Control Registry

Researchers, looking for the secret to how to keep the weight off after one has lost it, have stumbled into some surprising revelations. To do this, back in 1993, researchers at Brown University and the University of Colorado created the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR).

The 4,500 participants in the registry have a stiff requirement; they must have lost at least 30 pounds and have kept the weight off for a year or more. (Actually, the typical NWCR member has lost twice the minimum amount and has maintained that loss for around 5 years!)

In the latest installment of studying the group, Dr. Inga Treitler, a cultural anthropologist, began an intensive study of 10 NWCR members. However she did not focus on their diet or exercise practices, instead she studied their lifestyles: the books they read, the photos they kept, their pets, careers, friends and hobbies (before and after the weight loss) to discover their secrets to success.

After taking a psychological diagnostic test (called the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument), she discovered a clear pattern of the participant’s use of their brain four quadrants (upper left, lower left, lower right and upper right).

Quadrants Correlate to Types of Logic and Behavior

Briefly, each quadrant correlates to a distinctive type of logic and behavior. Upper left activity employs analytical, mathematical, logical problem solving. Lower left activity employs controlled, methodical, disciplined structure and routine behavior. Lower right activity employs an emotional, spiritual approach that focuses on the human connection. And upper right activity employs an approach that is strongly visual, easily bored, attracted to new ideas, fun and risk taking.

So which type proved to be the most successful? The researchers found the lower left types (controlled, methodical, disciplined structure and routine behavior) achieved the most impressive losses. Their approach of being methodical, attentive to counting calories and adhering to portion control was the most productive. Their mindset of staying in the present moment and not getting sidetracked into negative emotions also proved to be a winning discipline.

Success and an Inner Rebirth

In addition to the aforementioned, Dr. Treitler also identified another similar pattern: each successful member had undergone an inner rebirth, a major conversion in lifestyle. They had found new mentor or advisor and they separated themselves from their old ways. And after their new thin appearance emerged, they took charge and pursued other meaningful goals for self-improvement. For example, each adopted some personal time for developing themselves (e.g. walking, yoga, bird-watching, etc.) that provided the opportunity to separate them from their old, negative habits. This rebirth of identity seems to be a cornerstone of creating a new person from the overweight, older one.

The point being, that when one reprograms their brain into a different way of thinking, the brain and one’s self-image flow into a new pattern of behavior and attitude. Dr. Treitler stresses the need to re-create yourself by doing whatever empowers you – takes you out of the needy space and into the elevated status of one who teaches others, helps others, or in someway leads others. From each positive reformation, comes another layer of growth and an increased power to achieve anything.

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Sources: Setting Goals for Weight Loss Federal Trade Commission (www.consumer.gov/weightloss/setgoals.htm)Weight Management American Dietetic Association (www.eatright.org) The Complete Fit or Fat Book (2001) Covert Bailey, Lea Bishop Galahd Books (ISBN 1-57866-117)

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