Fitness selfies keep dieters motivated

Before and after shots are the best motivators, says a study from the University of Alicante. More than watching the weighing scales, keeping a photo diary can keep dieters motivated to achieve their target weight.

Isaac Elías Kuzmar Daza, a medical professional from Colombia recruited volunteers (aged 16 to 72) for a sixteen-week program. Aside from the weight and waistline measurements, volunteers also took full-body photos to monitor their progress.

After sixteen weeks, 90 percent of the volunteers stuck with the program and 71.3 percent were able to reach their ideal weight.

The study shows that people are motivated more by image than measurements of health conditions like diabetes or heart disease.

Summarising the findings, Rizo Baeza tells us: “What patients want is a photo, rather than cold numbers.” These photos serve as visual confirmation that all their hard work is paying off, spurring them on to further weight loss.

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Category: Features, Wellness and Complementary Therapies