Research

Adherence

High habitual disinhibition (overeating in response to everyday environmental cues) is the strongest behavioral predictor of adult weight gain and higher BMI in older women.

To prevent weight gain, focus less on social situations or emotional states and more on your daily, habitual eating environment. Reduce the variety of high-calorie foods available at home, control portion sizes of regular meals, and limit the frequency of snacking. Adopt a flexible approach to dieting rather than rigid restriction, allowing yourself small amounts of favorite foods without guilt to prevent the 'what-the-hell' effect.

GoodSupportsHIGH confidence
The strongest correlate of weight gain over 20 years was susceptibility to overeating in response to everyday cues within the environment (habitual disinhibition; partial correlation coefficient (r) = 0.25, P < 0.001)
Nicholas P. Hays et al. · Obesity · 2008

Why this rating

Longitudinal observational study with a large sample size (n=535) and robust statistical adjustment, though self-reported data is a limitation.

Source

Aspects of Eating Behaviors “Disinhibition” and “Restraint” Are Related to Weight Gain and BMI in Women

Nicholas P. Hays et al. · Obesity · 2008

cohort · n=535Cited 247×
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