Date Approved

2005

Degree Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department or School

Psychology

Committee Member

Karen Saules, Ph.D., Chair

Committee Member

Flora Hoodin, Ph.D.

Committee Member

Nina Nabors, Ph.D.

Abstract

Research suggests that poor body image, low self-esteem, and depression may be associated with failure to maintain weight loss (Lean, 2000). However, definitive results are lacking, necessitating further research. Both successful and unsuccessful weight maintainers (N = 148) were recruited from weight-loss programs. Self-report measures on dimensions of body image, depression, and self-esteem were administered at baseline and a three-month follow-up. Results suggest that those with early-onset obesity have more body image dissatisfaction than those with late-onset obesity, which appears to be due to BMI differences between groups with the former having a higher BMI than the later. Other results indicate no differences between short-term and long-term weight maintainers on change in body image in three months. Furthermore, change in body image is not a significant predictor of successful weight maintenance. Further research will be necessary to clarify the relationship between body image and weight maintenance.

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