There exists an intricate relationship between psychological distress, eating behaviours, and weight maintenance, mainly in individuals with a history of weight cycling – a phenomenon where repeated cycles of weight loss and regain occur.

In the ongoing battle against obesity, this study by Wanyang Li et al. enrolled 153 participants in an outpatient intervention featuring a comprehensive diet and exercise program. Through meticulous assessment of psychological distress, appetite, behaviour, and anthropometric measurements, the underlying mechanisms influencing weight loss outcomes were uncovered.

The findings, published in ‘BMC Public Health’ present enthralling evidence: psychological factors significantly influence weight loss success, especially in those with a weight cycling history. As per the study's structural equation model, a direct correlation between psychological status and weight loss outcomes occurred at both 3- and 6-months.

Eating behaviour was recognized as a pivotal mediator in this relationship. Psychological distress exhibited a noteworthy positive impact on weight change, with eating behaviour acting as a partial mediator after 3-months. On the other hand, appetite emerged as another significant influencer, directly affecting eating behaviour throughout the intervention period.