ABSTRACT
Resolutions to lose weight are among the most preva-
lent self-change efforts (3). That is, many individuals
resolve to lose weight, and the same individuals tend to
renew their resolutions repeatedly. In many ways, weight-
loss resolutions epitomize the false-hope syndrome char-
acterizing self-change efforts. People have high hopes that
they will succeed at losing weight, and beyond the success
of weight loss itself there lies the prospect that weight loss
will improve various aspects of their lives. People do tend
to succeed in the early stages of weight-loss attempts, and
so most dieters have at least some early success to spur
them on. When weight loss slows or stops, however,
people tend to become vulnerable to elements that
interfere with further weight loss. Many succumb to
temptations, overeat, and give up on the current diet or
weight-loss program. The weight-loss attempt is judged to
have failed. Over time, however, most people experience a
renewed desire to lose weight, and begin a new weight-
loss program or effort. This subsequent effort usually
follows the same pattern (initial small success, ultimate
failure, and the regain of whatever weight was lost) (3-5).
