Associations between body weight dissatisfaction and diet quality in women with a body mass index in the healthy weight category: Results from the 2014-2015 Swiss National Nutrition Survey.

BACKGROUND: Few studies have examined whether diet quality is lower in women with body weight dissatisfaction compared to women without body weight dissatisfaction. OBJECTIVES: 1) To examine the association between body weight dissatisfaction and diet quality among women (18-65 years old) in the healthy weight body mass index (BMI) category and 2) to explore dietary and behavioral patterns among women with body weight dissatisfaction. DESIGN: Data were extracted from the cross-sectional 2014-2015 Swiss National Nutrition Survey. PARTICIPANTS/SETTING: Population-based sample of 507 women with BMI ≥ 18.5 and < 25 kg/m2. OUTCOME MEASURES: Dietary intakes assessed by dietitians using two non-consecutive computer-assisted multi-pass 24-hour dietary recalls. Diet quality was measured with a slightly modified version of the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) -2020. STATISTICAL ANALYSES PERFORMED: Multiple linear regressions to test the association between body weight dissatisfaction and total HEI-2020 score. Hierarchical cluster analysis to identify subgroups of women with body weight dissatisfaction. RESULTS: Body weight dissatisfaction was not found to be associated with diet quality (ß = - 1.73 [-4.18 ; 0.71], P =0.16). However, women who were dissatisfied with their body weight had lower scores for the HEI-2020 total fruits (P = 0.050) and whole grains (P = 0.014) components than women who were satisfied with their body weight. Four profiles with different dietary patterns were identified among women with body weight dissatisfaction: "Unhealthy diet with dairy", "Protein and fat", "Vegetables without protein", and "Healthier diet without dairy". CONCLUSIONS: Among women with a BMI in the healthy weight category, overall diet quality was not observed to differ between those with or without body weight dissatisfaction. More research is needed to explore the different profiles of dietary intake in women with body weight dissatisfaction.

A randomized controlled trial to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of two eating disorders prevention interventions: the HEIDI BP-HW project.

BACKGROUND: Eating disorders (ED) are common in Switzerland, as in other Western countries, with a prevalence of any ED of 3.5%. However, no specific prevention intervention has been evaluated in the French-speaking part of the country. In this study, we assessed the acceptability and effectiveness of two well-validated eating disorders prevention interventions: the Body Project intervention (BP), based on cognitive dissonance techniques, and the Healthy Weight intervention (HW), based on the implementation of a healthy lifestyle. METHODS: Forty female students, aged 18-28, with body dissatisfaction, were randomized into three arms: a BP group, an HW group, and a waiting-list control group (WLCG). The primary outcome measure was body dissatisfaction. Secondary outcomes were thin-ideal internalization, dietary restraint, negative affect, and ED psychopathology. Thirty-three participants completed the assessments before and after the one-month interventions or waiting period. A follow-up measurement was conducted one month after the interventions to assess the stability of the results. RESULTS: Both interventions, delivered via a virtual web platform, were considered acceptable. The reduction in body dissatisfaction was greater in the BP group (r = 0.7; p < 0.01) or the HW group (r = 0.6; p < 0.01) than in the WLCG, with large effect sizes. Dietary restraint and shape concern were also significantly reduced in the BP group (r = 0.6 and r = 0.7, respectively; p < 0.01) and HW group (r = 0.5 and r = 0.5, respectively; p < 0.05) compared to the WLCG, with moderate to large effect sizes. The results obtained in each intervention group were stable at the one-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed encouraging results in young women with body dissatisfaction, arguing in favor of the French adaptations of the BP and HW interventions. However, the feasibility of recruitment was difficult, partly due to the pandemic situation at the time of the study, and should be further considered to improve dissemination. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04558073, 22/09/2020 and Swiss National Clinical Trial Portal (SNCTP000003978).

Barriers and facilitators of intuitive eating in postmenopausal women: A qualitative study.

This qualitative descriptive research explored barriers and facilitators of the intuitive eating (IE) implementation process, as experienced by six postmenopausal women classified as 'overweight' or 'obese'. The data was analysed using deductive and inductive thematic analysis and six themes were identified. IE implementation included developing scepticism about weight loss diets, dealing with hunger and satiety cues, making nutritious food choices for one's body, struggling with emotional eating, learning to accept one's body and challenging weight stigma and sociocultural norms of beauty and thinness. IE allowed women to develop a more peaceful relationship with their diet, and was accepted as a welcome alternative to dieting.

Positive body image, intuitive eating, and psychosocial functioning among older women: Testing an integrated model.

BACKGROUND: Research on the body image and eating behaviors of older women is scarce. Moreover, the scant existing research has lacked a focus on positive dimensions, such as positive reappraisal and acceptance, body appreciation, appearance satisfaction, and intuitive eating among older women. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine a model of the relationships among these positive dimensions and psychological functioning in older women. METHODS: A sample of 171 women aged 60-75 years were recruited through social media to respond to a survey assessing body image, eating behaviors, and psychological wellbeing. RESULTS: The final model was a good fit to the data. In this model, positive reappraisal and acceptance of age-related appearance changes was associated with higher body appreciation, in turn associated with higher body image related quality of life, higher levels of intuitive eating, and lower levels of depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: Positive body image and positive reappraisal of aging-related changes in appearance are associated with psychological wellbeing among older women. Longitudinal data are needed to clarify the direction of these relationships and inform interventions. Body image remains an important dimension among older women and should be accounted for in broader health promotion efforts among this group.

A study protocol for a preliminary randomised controlled trial assessing the acceptability and effectiveness of two eating disorders prevention interventions in Switzerland: The HEIDI BP-HW project.

Because of the serious consequences of eating disorders on young women's lives and because of the lack of specialised care facilities, assessing and implementing evidence-based prevention interventions is necessary. Switzerland, like other Western countries, has high prevalence rates of eating disorders. However, no prevention interventions have been evaluated in this country so far. This paper presents the protocol of a preliminary study with the aim to evaluate the acceptability and effectiveness of two interventions, the Body Project (BP) and the Healthy Weight Program (HW), for female students from French-speaking Switzerland. These two interventions were chosen because they have been widely evaluated and they proved to be effective in various countries. They take place in groups and include four weekly sessions over one month. Because of the pandemic situation, the group sessions will take place online on an collaborative platform. The design is a three-arm randomised controlled study. Ninety female students aged 18-25 and presenting with at least moderate body dissatisfaction will be randomised into three groups: (1) one-month BP intervention, (2) one-month HW intervention, and (3) one-month waiting-list control group followed by the BP intervention. Assessments of body dissatisfaction, thin-ideal internalisation, dietary restraint, negative affect, and eating disorder psychopathology will be conducted before and after the interventions or waiting list and after a one-month follow-up. ANCOVA and ANOVA with repeated measures will be used to assess group differences and follow-up stability. Acceptability will be assessed with a questionnaire on participants' satisfaction with the interventions, group discussion at the end of the intervention, and with participants' rate of attendance to the group sessions. The study results will provide additional data on these two eating disorders prevention interventions and will suggest ways for their dissemination and further evaluation in Switzerland.

Diet quality in middle-aged and older women with and without body weight dissatisfaction: results from a population-based national nutrition survey in Switzerland.

Body weight dissatisfaction is associated with unhealthy dietary behaviours in young adults, but data are scarce regarding how this relationship evolves with age. The objectives of the present study were to assess the prevalence of body weight dissatisfaction and the association between body weight dissatisfaction, nutrient intake and diet quality in middle-aged and older women. We used data of a population-based sample of 468 middle-aged (50-64 y/o) and older (65-75 y/o) women, extracted from the cross-sectional 2014-15 Swiss National Nutrition Survey. Body weight dissatisfaction was assessed by questionnaire. Dietitians assessed dietary intakes using two non-consecutive computer-assisted multi-pass 24-h dietary recalls and performed anthropometric measurements. Nutrient intakes were calculated and compared with national dietary guidelines, and diet quality scored with the 2010 Alternate Healthy Eating Index (2010-AHEI). 41⋅1 % of women reported body weight dissatisfaction, and 49⋅8 % wanted to lose weight. Body weight dissatisfaction was associated with weight loss desire and a higher body mass index (BMI; P < 0⋅001). Women with body weight dissatisfaction consumed significantly less carbohydrates and dietary fibres, even when BMI was controlled for (P < 0⋅05). They also fell short of national dietary guidelines for magnesium and iron. Body weight dissatisfied women obtained lower 2010-AHEI scores than satisfied women (ß -4⋅36, 95 % CI -6⋅78, -1⋅93). However, this association disappeared when the BMI was introduced in the equation. This highlights the importance of targeting both body dissatisfaction and unhealthy eating in obesity prevention and treatment at all ages.

Healthy Snacks in School: How Do Regulations Work? A Mixed-Design Study.

BACKGROUND: School is an important setting to promote healthy eating habits for children. We compared the effects of 4 conditions on the nutritional quality of snacks brought to school. We also investigated teachers' opinions regarding the process, barriers, and facilitators in regulation implementation. METHODS: We compared the nutritional quality of morning snacks based on 1958 photographs from schools divided into 4 conditions: regulation based on a list of permitted foods and beverages; regulation banning sweets, chips, and sugary drinks; information without regulation; or no intervention. Based on 5 focus groups (N = 18 participants), we investigated factors influencing regulation implementation. RESULTS: In schools with a list of permitted foods and beverages, 76% of the children had a healthy snack, compared to 52% to 54% in the 3 other conditions (p < .01). They also brought less sweet foods compared to those in the other conditions (41% vs. 68% to 71%, p < .01). In focus groups, most teachers supported regulation but also expressed ambivalence about their legitimacy. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, a regulation based on a list of permitted foods and beverages showed the best results. All actors should be involved in a progressive implementation process to increase acceptance of such regulation.

Body image concerns and intuitive eating in older women.

Intuitive eating has been described as representing a positive relationship with food that can support health. However, to date, most of the extant research on intuitive eating has been conducted among young women, limiting our understanding of how intuitive eating can contribute to supporting health in aging women. This study aimed to bridge this gap by exploring body image and eating correlates of intuitive eating in older women. The hypotheses were that among older women, intuitive eating would be significantly associated with lower disordered eating, weight and shape concerns, and fewer depressive symptoms, and that an indirect relationship between BMI and intuitive eating via weight and shape concerns would exist. Community women aged 60-75 (N = 200) completed questionnaires assessing intuitive eating, disordered eating, body concern, depressive symptoms and body mass index (BMI). Higher intuitive eating global scores were associated with lower restraint, lower eating concern, lower body concern, fewer depressive symptoms, and lower BMI. An indirect relationship between BMI and intuitive eating via weight and shape concern emerged, suggesting that being preoccupied by one's appearance hinder the ability to practice intuitive eating. These results suggest that intuitive eating is associated with positive outcomes among older women and might be a useful target for interventions designed to increase healthy aging.

Assessing Overall Diet Quality: Development and Evaluation of the Performance of a Short Self-Administrated Questionnaire SCASA.

Several tools assessing diet quality have been developed over the last decades, but their use in public health and clinical practice is limited because they necessitate detailed quantitative assessment of food intake. Our goal was to develop and validate a score (Score d'Alimentation Saine, SCASA) based on a short self-administrated online questionnaire to assess overall diet quality. SCASA targets the adult population in French-speaking Switzerland, but it was designed in a way enabling its adaptation for other regions. The choice of the items involved experts and lay volunteers. Construct validation and inter-method reliability were assessed by screening meal plans and by comparing the self-rated scores with food-record derived scores (kappa and Bland-Altman). SCASA (17 components) discriminated adequately balanced from imbalanced meal plans (93-95% and 44-46% of maximal score). Agreement between self-assessed and food record-based scores ranged between >90% (3 items), 80-89% (3 items), 70-79% (4 items), and <70% (5 items). The Bland-Altman plot showed a mean difference of -1.60 (95% CI -2.36 to -0.84), indicating a slight overestimation of the self-assessed diet quality compared to the food record. SCASA offers a reliable way to assess overall diet quality without requiring burdensome data collection or nutrient calculations.

Associations between body dissatisfaction, importance of appearance, and aging anxiety with depression, and appearance-related behaviors in women in mid-life.

The impacts of body dissatisfaction have been widely studied among adolescent girls, but much less in women in mid-life. In this study, we evaluated the associations between body dissatisfaction, psychological health and behaviors used to manage age-related changes, in an online survey of 331 women aged 45-65. Body dissatisfaction, importance of appearance and aging anxiety were associated with higher depression scores. Moreover, importance of appearance and aging anxiety were associated with the probability of using "anti-aging" behaviors. It seems that with age, for a subgroup of women, the pressure to stay young may be added to that of staying thin.

Body image and disordered eating in older women: A Tripartite Sociocultural model.

Evidence suggests that body image concerns and disordered eating exist in women even at older ages. Few studies have examined the factors that are related with body image and eating concerns in this age group. In particular, the roles of sociocultural influences and thin-ideal internalization remain unclear. In the present study, we tested a modified tripartite sociocultural model of body image and disordered eating behaviors in a sample of 222 women aged 60 to 75 years, using structural equation modeling. After adjustment, a model similar to that observed in young women was a good fit to the data. Perceived pressure from the media revealed a direct relationship with body image concerns, as well as an indirect relationship mediated by thin-ideal internalization. Peer pressure was directly associated with body image concerns, and thin-ideal internalization was associated with dieting. In older women, pressure to conform to appearance ideals, in particular from the media, may impact the internalization of appearance ideals and body image concerns that might, in turn, increase disordered eating. The usefulness of sociocultural models for framing body image and eating concerns in older women implies that similar prevention interventions to those used in younger women could be adapted to fill a gap in available resources for this group.

[Eating disorders and obesity in adolescents†: clinical implications]. / Troubles des conduites ­alimentaires et obésité à l'adolescence†: ­implications cliniques.

Binge eating disorder (BED) is associated with obesity and a quarter of adolescents with weight excess may suffer from the complete or a partial form of this disorder. A systematic screening for BED should be performed in this population as non-identification will complicate the patient's management. A short screening tool, -named ADO-BEDs, was specifically developed for these adolescents. This latter tool appears to be useful to guide the medical consul-tation. As such, the health professional will be able to refer the -patient for further evaluation in case of BED suspicion. Health -professionals should be aware that body dissatisfaction or teasing triggered by the adolescent's body are not an incentive to lose weight and increase the risk of eating disorders. Therefore, negative comments should be avoided in consultation.

Les troubles des conduites alimentaires (TCA) de type accès ­hyperphagiques sont associés à l'obésité et sont présents sous leurs formes complètes ou partielles chez près d'un quart des adolescents en excès de poids. Un dépistage systématique doit être effectué dans cette population lorsqu'elle consulte, afin de permettre une prise en charge optimale. Un outil de dépistage nommé ADO-BEDs a été spécifiquement développé pour ces ­adolescents. Utile pour guider la consultation, il permet au ­soignant d'aborder le trouble et d'adresser le patient pour une évaluation spécialisée en cas de suspicion de TCA. Viser une ­augmentation de l'insatisfaction corporelle ou faire des commentaires négatifs portant sur le physique de l'adolescent ne sont pas une aide à la motivation, mais augmentent le risque de TCA et devraient être évités en consultation.

Factors associated with disordered eating behaviors and attitudes in older women.

PURPOSE: The present study explored the potential factors associated with disordered eating behaviors and attitudes in older women. METHODS: Women aged 60-75 years were recruited in the community (n = 203) and completed questionnaires. The Eating Disorder Examination-Questionnaire (EDE-Q) was used to evaluate disordered eating behaviors and attitudes. The independent variables were BMI, age, importance of appearance, importance of body competence, cognitive reappraisal, and fear of age-related appearance changes. Spearman correlation analyses and zero-inflated negative binomial regression models were used to analyze the data. RESULTS: BMI was positively associated with EDE-Q restraint, EDE-Q eating concern, and EDE-Q frequency of objective binge-eating episodes. Importance of appearance was positively related to EDE-Q restraint, and fear of age-related appearance changes to EDE-Q eating concern and objective binge-eating episodes. Cognitive reappraisal was negatively associated with EDE-Q eating concern and excessive exercise in bivariate associations, but the relationships disappeared in the multivariate analyses. CONCLUSIONS: BMI, importance of appearance, and fear of age-related appearance changes turned out to be positively associated with eating disordered behaviors and attitudes, similarly to what can be observed in middle-aged samples. However, the role of cognitive reappraisal was unclear and should be investigated further. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level V: cross-sectional descriptive study.

[Promoting a positive body image in young people.] / La promotion d'une image corporelle positive chez les jeunes.

INTRODUCTION: Positive body image is a recent concept that includes several facets, such as the acceptance of one’s body and the ability to take care of it with safe, nurturing methods. The purpose of this article is to explain this concept and its importance, and to review prevention and health promotion interventions that might be effective for its development. METHOD: We conducted a narrative review, including the latest publications that summarize the concept’s usefulness and the effectiveness of prevention programs that may contribute to the development of positive body image in youth. RESULTS: The development of a positive body image is proposed as a key factor that would allow integrated prevention of the entire spectrum of weight and eating issues in young people, as well as other problems such as depression. Three approaches used for prevention interventions developed primarily to target body dissatisfaction as a risk factor might promote certain aspects of positive body image. It would be advisable to adopt a universal and ecological prevention approach, in order to standardize the messages received throughout the social environment regarding healthy eating, an active lifestyle, and respect for the diversity of weight, shape, and beauty. CONCLUSION: This review highlights the importance of positive body image for public health, as well as the various preventive interventions that have proven effective for youth and young adults, so that future developments can build on what has already been performed.

Effects of a Weight Loss Program on Metabolic Syndrome, Eating Disorders and Psychological Outcomes: Mediation by Endocannabinoids?

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of weight loss on endocannabinoids, cardiometabolic and psychological parameters, eating disorders (ED) as well as quality of life (QoL) and to elucidate the role of endocannabinoids in metabolic syndrome (MS). METHODS: In total, 114 patients with obesity were prospectively included in a 12-month weight loss program. Plasma endocannabinoids were measured by mass spectrometry; ED, psychological and QoL-related parameters were evaluated by self-reported questionnaires; physical activity was measured by accelerometer. Nutritional assessment was done by a 3-day food diary. RESULTS: Among completers (n = 87), body weight decreased in 35 patients (-9.1 ± 8.6 kg), remained stable in 39 patients, and increased in 13 patients (+5.8 ± 3.4 kg). 75% of patients with MS at baseline were free of MS at follow-up, and their baseline plasma N-palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) values were significantly lower when compared to patients with persisting MS. At baseline, there was a positive relationship between PEA and waist circumference (p = 0.005, R2 = 0.08), fasting glucose (p < 0.0001, R2 = 0.12), total cholesterol (p = 0.001, R2 = 0.11), triglycerides (p = 0.001, R2 = 0.11), LDL-cholesterol (p = 0.03, R2 = 0.05) as well as depression score (p = 0.002, R2 = 0.29). CONCLUSION: Plasma PEA might play a role in metabolic improvement after weight loss. Even in subjects without weight loss, a multidisciplinary intervention improves psychological outcomes, ED, and QoL.

Long-Term Weight Maintenance Strategies Are Experienced as a Burden by Persons Who Have Lost Weight Compared to Persons with a lifetime Normal, Stable Weight.

OBJECTIVE: To assess dietary intake, eating patterns, physical activity and eating behaviors, and to explore strategies and perceptions of the experience of weight maintenance in weight loss maintainers (weight loss maintenance (WLM) ≥ 10% weight loss maintained for ≥1 year) and in matched controls with a lifetime stable normal weight. METHODS: Volunteers (32) were recruited by a snowball procedure in this cross-sectional, mixed-methods study. Diet, physical activity, and eating behaviors were assessed with validated questionnaires. Strategies and experiences were investigated during interviews. Descriptive coding, thematic analysis (qualitative data) as well as descriptive analysis and t-tests (quantitative data) were performed. RESULTS: Both groups had similar energy and macronutrient consumption. Those in the WLM group reported higher levels of exercise and scored higher on several dimensions of eating disorders. Four themes - 'food choices,' 'quantities and portion control,' 'physical activity', and 'burden' - emerged from the qualitative data. Both groups used similar weight maintenance strategies, but those in the WLM group experienced a higher burden, expressing effortful control which contrasted with the control group's confidence in their internal cues. CONCLUSION: Our results show an additional burden related with maintaining weight loss compared to keeping a stable normal weight. They provide evidence to devise interventions that will address the difficulty of regulating intake.

Assessment of Dysfunctional Cognitions in Binge-Eating Disorder: Factor Structure and Validity of the Mizes Anorectic Cognitions Questionnaire-Revised (MAC-R).

Background: Dysfunctional cognitions regarding weight and shape and their implications for self-esteem are considered core features of anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa. However, they have also been associated with the severity of binge eating disorder (BED). Therefore, they should be screened with appropriate instruments to tailor treatment to individual patient needs. The Mizes Anorectic Cognitions-Revised (MAC-R) is a self-report questionnaire that lists dysfunctional cognitions related to three hypothesized core beliefs typical of the psychopathology of eating disorders: weight and eating as the basis of approval from others; the belief that rigid self-control is fundamental to self-worth; and the rigidity of weight- and eating-regulation efforts. Objectives: The goal of the study was to confirm the factor structure and to assess the validity of the MAC-R among a sample that met full-threshold and subthreshold criteria for BED. Methods: We used data of women meeting full-threshold (n = 94) and subthreshold (n = 22) criteria for BED to conduct confirmatory factor analyses and to compute Spearman's correlations, in order to assess factorial, convergent, and discriminant validity. Results: Two models having a structure of three factors with or without a total score proved to be acceptable. The MAC-R total score was correlated with questionnaires assessing dimensions related to eating disorder psychopathology, adding to the validity of the questionnaire. Conclusion: These results were similar to those found in studies on the psychometric properties of the MAC among samples with anorexia nervosa or bulimia nervosa, encouraging the use of the MAC-R as a research or clinical tool in order to further document the core beliefs underlying BED.

Screening Obese Adolescents for Binge Eating Disorder in Primary Care: The Adolescent Binge Eating Scale.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the performance of a simple and developmentally appropriate 10-item questionnaire (Adolescent Binge Eating Scale) for the prediction of binge eating disorder (BED) diagnosis in adolescents seen for obesity. STUDY DESIGN: We evaluated the performance of the questionnaire in comparison with a clinical interview, in a population of adolescents being seen for obesity. The ?2 or Fisher exact tests were used. RESULTS: There were 94 adolescents aged 12-18 years (59.6% girls) who completed the study. The questionnaire demonstrated a good association with the clinical interview and distinguished different levels of risk for having a BED: participants who responded positively to questions 1 or 2 and had more than 6 positive answers to the 8 additional questions had a high risk of subclinical and clinical BED (83.3%); participants with 3 or fewer positive answers had a low risk of clinical BED (4%). CONCLUSIONS: The Adolescent Binge Eating Scale questionnaire is a potential screening tool to identify adolescents with obesity at high risk of BED and guide referral to a specialist to clarify the diagnosis and provide adequate care.

Development and Evaluation of e-CA, an Electronic Mobile-Based Food Record.

Measures that capture diet as validly and reliably as possible are cornerstones of nutritional research, and mobile-based devices offer new opportunities to improve and simplify data collection. The balance between precision and acceptability of these data collection tools remains debated, and rigorous validations are warranted. Our objective was to develop and evaluate an electronic mobile-based food record for a research setting. We developed e-CA, which includes almost 900 foods and beverages classified in 14 categories and 60 subcategories. e-CA was evaluated using three different methods: (1) usability and acceptability through a logbook and qualitative interviews; (2) dietary intake accuracy through comparison with 2 unannounced 24-h phone recalls on overlapping days; and (3) reliability and process comparison with a paper-based food record in a laboratory setting with a randomized design. e-CA proved to be intuitive and practical and was perceived as modern, trendy, and fun. Comparisons of e-CA with 24-h telephone recalls or paper-based food records in a laboratory setting with two small convenient samples showed good agreement but highlighted the well-known difficulty of estimating portion sizes and a necessary learning time to use the app. e-CA is a functional tool that has the potential to facilitate food intake measurement for research by increasing the pleasure of using the food record tool and reducing the perceived burden for the participants. It also decreases the workload, costs and the risk of transcription errors for researchers.

Qualitative analysis of the role of self-weighing as a strategy of weight control for weight-loss maintainers in comparison with a normal, stable weight group.

Self-weighing seems to have a primary role in weight-loss maintenance. The use of this strategy may help correct even slight weight regain and contribute to long-term weight stability. However, self-weighing has also been associated with negative psychological health consequences in specific subgroups. This study aimed to explore the use and the behavioral and psychological consequences of self-weighing in a group of weight-loss maintainers (WLoMs). We chose a qualitative design to conduct this investigation. Eighteen WLoMs were interviewed and compared to a matched comparison group of 18 participants with a lifelong normal stable weight (NSW). Analyses showed that most WLoMs needed regular self-weighing to be aware of their weight. The weight displayed on the scale helped WLoMs sustain the continuous efforts needed to maintain weight loss and also at times triggered corrective actions that were sometimes drastic. Weight changes generated both negative and positive affect among WLoMs, who could experience anxiety because of self-weighing or have their self-esteem impaired in the case of weight gain. In comparison, the NSW group rarely used self-weighing. They relied on a conscious way of living to control their weight and needed fewer strategies. NSW participants simply went back to their routine when they felt a slight increase in their weight, without experiencing consequences on their mood or self-esteem. Regular self-weighing as a component of weight-loss maintenance should be encouraged to help WLoMs regulate their food and physical activity, provided that potential consequences on psychological well-being, including self-esteem, are screened and addressed when needed.