Which psychological strategy is effective in maintaining weight loss?

Celebrating progress and non-scale victories is an effective psychological strategy in maintaining weight loss because it reinforces positive behavior and fosters a sense of achievement beyond just the numbers on a scale. Recognizing improvements in how one feels, increased energy levels, better fitting clothes, or enhanced physical performance contributes to ongoing motivation and adherence to weight management efforts.

This approach also helps to cultivate a healthier relationship with weight loss by emphasizing overall wellbeing and personal growth. It can combat feelings of defeat that may arise from the scale not reflecting the effort put in or from experiencing fluctuations in weight. Celebrating smaller milestones and accomplishments allows individuals to enjoy their journey towards their goals, making the process more sustainable and enjoyable, thereby reducing the likelihood of reverting to old habits.