Weight change, psychological well-being, and vitality in adults participating in a cognitive-behavioral weight loss program.

Objective: Excess weight has been associated with numerous psychological problems, including depression and anxiety. This study examined the impact of intentional weight loss on the psychological well-being of adults participating in three clinical weight loss interventions.

Methods: This population consisted of 588 overweight or obese individuals randomized into one of three weight loss interventions of incremental intensity for 12 months. Psychological well-being was measured at baseline and 6, and 12 months using the Psychological Well-Being Index.

Results: Mean weight loss was 5.0 pounds at 12 months. Weight change at 12 months was associated with higher overall psychological well-being (r = -.20, p < .001), lower levels of anxiety (r = -.16, p = .001) and depression (r = -.13, p = .004), and higher positive well-being (r = -.19, p < .001), self-control (r = -.13, p = .004), and vitality (r = -.22, p < .001). Vitality was found to be the best predictor of weight change at 12 months (p < .001).

Conclusions: Weight loss was associated with positive changes in psychological well-being. Increased vitality contributed the largest percentage of variance to this change.