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Undieting: A program to help people stop dieting
Author(s) -
Polivy Janet,
Herman C. Peter
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
international journal of eating disorders
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.785
H-Index - 138
eISSN - 1098-108X
pISSN - 0276-3478
DOI - 10.1002/1098-108x(199204)11:3<261::aid-eat2260110309>3.0.co;2-f
Subject(s) - dieting , psychology , depression (economics) , self esteem , weight loss , clinical psychology , medicine , obesity , economics , macroeconomics
We report on the development and preliminary evaluation of a 10‐week group program intended to raise women's consciousness about the costs and side effects of dieting and to provide alternatives to strenuous weight loss efforts. Eighteen female participants were assessed on self‐esteem, depression, restraint, and eating pathology measures before the sessions began, at the end of the 70‐week program, and (for two of the three groups) 6 months after the sessions ended. Subjects also filled out state self‐esteem scales each week. By the end of the program participants had significantly higher self‐esteem and lower depression, eating pathology, and restraint. Subjects also reported life‐style changes accompanying these psychological improvements. We consider the implications for treating dieting and encouraging “natural eating”.