Weight loss expectations and body dissatisfaction in young women attempting to lose weight

Background Unrealistic weight loss expectations ( WLE s) and greater body dissatisfaction may be associated with the poor long‐term outcomes of dietary and lifestyle weight loss treatments. We evaluated the association between body size, WLE s and body dissatisfaction in young women attempting to lose weight. Methods Forty‐four young healthy women [age range 18–35 years, body mass index ( BMI ) range 23–40 kg/m 2 ] were recruited. Women were classified as obese ( BMI ≥ 30.0 kg/m 2 ) and non‐obese ( BMI <30.0 kg/m 2 ). The Body Dissatisfaction scale of the Eating Disorder Inventory‐2 and the Body Image Assessment for Obesity silhouette charts were used to assess body dissatisfaction. WLE s were categorised according to personal (ideal, happiness, satisfaction, weight history), lifestyle (fitness) and social (career, family acceptance, peer acceptance, mass media, social pressure) factors. Individual WLE s were compared with recommended clinical targets (5%, 10% and 20%) for weight loss. Results Body dissatisfaction was lower in non‐obese subjects and was directly associated with BMI ( P  < 0.05). WLE s were directly associated with BMI and the obese group reported greater expectations. Five non‐obese subjects (23%) desired to lose more than 20% of their body weight, whereas the proportion was significantly higher in the obese group (17 subjects; 74%). Subjects derived the greatest WLE s from mass media, whereas they perceived that family and friends were supportive of a lesser degree of weight loss. Conclusions We observed a mismatch between clinical and personal expectations, and social pressure and interpersonal relationships appear to have a prominent role with respect to influencing the association.