BODY-IMAGE AND WEIGHT CHANGES IN A MULTISITE COMPREHENSIVE VERY-LOW-CALORIE DIET PROGRAM

Substantial evidence points to the negative body-image experiences of obese persons. Limited evidence suggests that after successful weight loss a ''vestigial'' negative body image may be retained. This prospective investigation repeatedly assessed obese participants' weight and body images over the course of a comprehensive VLCD program. Of an initial sample of 88 female subjects, 36 were available for post-reduction assessments and 20 for maintenance assessments. VLCD completers reduced their weight by 24% and displayed marked improvements in most aspects of body image. A modest weight increase during maintenance partially, albeit significantly, diminished some body-image gains. Systematic analyses of attrition implicated several body-image variables as predictors of attrition independent of the extent of weight loss, including poor fitness-related attitudes and less prominent gains in body image. A revised perspective on the phenomenon of vestigial body image is offered. The potential value of cognitive-behavioral body-image therapy for obese persons is discussed.