Lose weight easily: just stop trying

Researchers at the University of Ohio have discovered that women who accept their bodies as they are and don’t diet to change their shape or achieve weight loss end up slimmer in the long run.

The key is - “intuitive eating principles” or eating what you feel like.

Results of the study presented to the American Psychological Association in New Orleans suggests that the reasons most women choose to diet - dissatisfaction with their bodies - may backfire and produce just the results they least intend.

The study - based on 200 college students - found that those women who have a positive or accepting view of their own bodies were least likely to overeat and were most likely to have a healthy Body Mass Index (BMI).

Women with a positive body image applied what the researchers called ‘intuitive eating principles’ - meaning that they allowed themselves to eat when they were hungry with no restriction on choice of food. Not only that but intuitive eating also allowed women to listen to internal body signals for fullness. As a result they were much less likely to overeat or to eat when they felt full.

Dr Tylka, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Ohio University and leader of the research study commented: “It seems amazing, but it is true. If you listen to your body signals in determining what, when and how much to eat, you are not going to binge and you are going to eat an appropriate amount.”

A separate study led by Dr Tylka and based on interviews with another 600 women, found that those who described themselves as ‘intuitive eaters’ spent much less time thinking about how they appeared to other people. These women showed higher levels of self-esteem, coping ability, optimism and ability to deal with stressful situations.

The clear message of the study - don’t diet for weight loss - rather learn to accept your body as it is and you will more easily be able to stay within a healthy BMI.

The study may have focused on college students but the messages are the same for those of us in your middle years.  Dieting can bring the reverse of what you want - healthy weight loss and permanent weight loss mean acceptance of your body as it is.

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