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The psychology of weight loss.

Health
The Real Reason We Don't Exercise

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on November 10, 2014

People say they don’t exercise because they have no time, but in the same breath talk about how much they want to get healthy and how much they believe exercise is the path to health. It is a puzzling contradiction. Or is it?

People say they don’t exercise because they have no time, but in the same breath talk about how much they want to get healthy and how much they believe exercise is the path to health. It is a puzzling contradiction. Or is it?

Confidence
How To Stop Hating Your Body

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on September 9, 2014

Why body dissatisfaction might be part of general life dissatisfaction, and what you can do to stop the cycle.

Why body dissatisfaction might be part of general life dissatisfaction, and what you can do to stop the cycle.

Guilt
Are You a Mom or a Martyr?

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on May 6, 2014

The pressure on moms to be everything to everyone creates a vicious cycle of overworking, guilt, resentment, and self-neglect. Not surprisingly, this makes our lives unsatisfying and instead of looking inward, we turn on each other.

The pressure on moms to be everything to everyone creates a vicious cycle of overworking, guilt, resentment, and self-neglect. Not surprisingly, this makes our lives unsatisfying and instead of looking inward, we turn on each other.

Attention
Why Does Weight Loss Feel Like 2 Steps Forward, 1 Step Back?

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on March 20, 2014

We lose five pounds and then gain three back. Lose another two, gain one more back. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing progress erased, but is this pattern a sign of failure? Or is it a sign that you are right where you need to be?

We lose five pounds and then gain three back. Lose another two, gain one more back. Nothing is more frustrating than seeing progress erased, but is this pattern a sign of failure? Or is it a sign that you are right where you need to be?

Motivation
How Goal Setting Can Hinder Your Success

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on January 5, 2014

Without goals we would wander aimlessly in life. But is it possible that we could wander aimlessly even with goals? It is not only possible, it’s very common.

Without goals we would wander aimlessly in life. But is it possible that we could wander aimlessly even with goals? It is not only possible, it’s very common.

Alcoholism
How to Cheat Your Weight Loss Mobile App

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on November 21, 2013

We have a love/hate relationship with the weight loss app. You feed it information and it reflects back an image of YOU, just like a mirror. What you ate. How much you ate. How much you moved. How much you didn’t move. That late night Dunkin Donuts stop? Check. You skipped your workouts 5 days in a row? Check. It’s all in there. Or is it?

We have a love/hate relationship with the weight loss app. You feed it information and it reflects back an image of YOU, just like a mirror. What you ate. How much you ate. How much you moved. How much you didn’t move. That late night Dunkin Donuts stop? Check. You skipped your workouts 5 days in a row? Check. It’s all in there. Or is it?

Diet
The Perfect Diet Does Not Exist

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on August 25, 2013

Research shows that no one diet is any better than another, but that adherence matters. So which diet is best? The diet that you can stick to...forever.

Research shows that no one diet is any better than another, but that adherence matters. So which diet is best? The diet that you can stick to...forever.

Happiness
What Is Happiness Anyway?

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on July 23, 2013

I sought answers to the question of "What is happiness?" via longitudinal research studies and of course...Twitter. Both landed me in about the same place.

I sought answers to the question of "What is happiness?" via longitudinal research studies and of course...Twitter. Both landed me in about the same place.

Diet
Obesity as a "Disease"

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on July 1, 2013

The American Medical Association labeled obesity a "disease" in a move to facilitate greater preventive care. Psychologists should figure prominently in the delivery of preventive care given that behavioral counseling programs have strong evidence for disease prevention yet are not widely available as a reimbursable service.

The American Medical Association labeled obesity a "disease" in a move to facilitate greater preventive care. Psychologists should figure prominently in the delivery of preventive care given that behavioral counseling programs have strong evidence for disease prevention yet are not widely available as a reimbursable service.

Body Image
Fatkini: The Bathing Suit That Has Us Talking

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on May 29, 2013

The "fatkini" bathing suit trend is good news for women and body image, but the negative reactions are bad news for obesity stigma. If some women are finally accepting their bodies, why can't we accept them too?

The "fatkini" bathing suit trend is good news for women and body image, but the negative reactions are bad news for obesity stigma. If some women are finally accepting their bodies, why can't we accept them too?

Autism
Boston Marathon: Reflections from a Spectator

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on April 16, 2013

Psychology Today blogger reflects on the stories of inspiration and hope that make the Boston Marathon the momentous event that it is and always will be.

Psychology Today blogger reflects on the stories of inspiration and hope that make the Boston Marathon the momentous event that it is and always will be.

Stress
Why We Sabotage Ourselves

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on March 30, 2013

One step forward, two steps back. What is at the root of our tendency to undermine our happiness and health?

One step forward, two steps back. What is at the root of our tendency to undermine our happiness and health?

Diet
Should You Try That New Diet?

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on March 23, 2013

Everyday a new diet pops up on the market that promises to be the solution to our weight loss problems. How can they all be? Check out my easy 4 question BS test to find out if any diet out there is right for YOU.

Everyday a new diet pops up on the market that promises to be the solution to our weight loss problems. How can they all be? Check out my easy 4 question BS test to find out if any diet out there is right for YOU.

Persuasion
Can Behavior Change Go Viral?

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on February 26, 2013

Social influence is powerful. Online social networking has introduced an entirely new medium for social influence. How can we harness the power of social media to facilitate behavior change in ways that we never before imagined?

Social influence is powerful. Online social networking has introduced an entirely new medium for social influence. How can we harness the power of social media to facilitate behavior change in ways that we never before imagined?

Sex
Food, Sex, Drugs, and the Meaning of Life

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on January 27, 2013

How finding greater meaning in life may be the path to overcoming compulsive and addictive behavior: Lessons from a 20th century existential psychotherapist

How finding greater meaning in life may be the path to overcoming compulsive and addictive behavior: Lessons from a 20th century existential psychotherapist

Self-Esteem
Lance Armstrong and the Ill-Fated Pursuit of Perfection

Sherry Pagoto Ph.D. on January 19, 2013

When your self-worth is tied to a single goal in life, your unwavering pursuit of perfection will seem to be the secret to your success, but in fact will be the secret to your demise.

When your self-worth is tied to a single goal in life, your unwavering pursuit of perfection will seem to be the secret to your success, but in fact will be the secret to your demise.