Recent data from over 3,800 Slimming World participants reveal that those who achieved the greatest weight loss experienced minimal levels of both negative and positive emotional eating. These individuals also reported fewer food cravings, improved craving management, and enhanced overall mental wellbeing.
The participants who were most successful in their weight-loss journey managed to lose more than 10% of their body weight within the first 12 weeks of joining the program, averaging a remarkable 17 kilograms lost.
Dr. Gemma Traviss-Turner, an associate professor in behavioral medicine and the study’s lead researcher, stated, “This is among the first comprehensive studies to investigate both negative and positive emotional eating.”
She emphasized, “The findings underscore the critical need to acknowledge and address emotional eating as a genuine concern in weight management strategies.”
Dr. Traviss-Turner further noted, “Many individuals have grappled with emotional eating for extended periods, often feeling profound guilt and shame.”
“Externally, this issue has frequently been misunderstood as a lack of self-discipline or sheer greed, leading many to endure their struggles silently,” she added.
Participants who lost more weight said techniques that helped them stay on track included distraction, keeping health foods readily available and planning meals.
The findings were presented at the European Congress on Obesity in Istanbul, Turkey.
