Only 20% of those who successfully lose weight manage to keep the weight off. Weight loss maintenance is complex due to the extended time frame and various psychosocial stressors. Some examples of these stressors include waning social support for health behaviours and fear of weight regain. Formal support is limited during weight loss maintenance, and, consequently, individuals can feel very isolated. Social identity can act as an important driver of our health behaviours and decisions. Therefore, to improve our health in the long-term, it is important to understand social identity’s role and potential therapeutic application within weight loss maintenance.

 

Publications

Watkins, R., Swancutt, D., Alexander, M. et al. A Qualitative Exploration of Patient and Staff Experiences of the Receipt and Delivery of Specialist Weight Management Services in the UK. Patient 16, 625–640 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40271-023-00644-9