Study states dieters can lose weight just by imagining themselves as slimmer
| Sep 30, 2018, 14:39 IST
Researchers from Portsmouth University have found that dieters can lose 10 times more weight just by imagining themselves to be slimmer. Their research suggests that just this thought process might be enough to get them motivated to lose weight. The study found that dieters who were using functional imagery training (FIT) lost 1st (14lbs) and 9cm from their waists after a year, on average. Whereas, people who were using motivational interviews (counsellor encouraged them to lose weight) lost just 0.1 stone (1.4lbs) and 0.24cm from their waists.
The researchers then analysed 141 patients out of which 59 received FIT, while the remaining 55 had 'motivational interviews' (MI). Lead author Dr. Linda Solbrig said that they were able to encourage people to set their own weight loss goals. The participants had two sessions, one which was face to face and one which was on the phone. After 6 months, those who received FIT lost 0.6 stone (8.4lbs) and 7cm off their waists. MI participants, on the other hand, lost just 0.1 stone and even gained 0.24cm in their waist circumferences.
This proved that participants who had imagined what they would look like after losing weight had actually lost more weight than those who didn't. Stay tuned for more updates.
The researchers then analysed 141 patients out of which 59 received FIT, while the remaining 55 had 'motivational interviews' (MI). Lead author Dr. Linda Solbrig said that they were able to encourage people to set their own weight loss goals. The participants had two sessions, one which was face to face and one which was on the phone. After 6 months, those who received FIT lost 0.6 stone (8.4lbs) and 7cm off their waists. MI participants, on the other hand, lost just 0.1 stone and even gained 0.24cm in their waist circumferences.
This proved that participants who had imagined what they would look like after losing weight had actually lost more weight than those who didn't. Stay tuned for more updates.