Psychological Determinants of the Weight Cycle: A Review of Perceived Stress and Self-Efficacy.

Abstract

Purpose of review: Long-term weight maintenance remains a significant challenge in obesity management. Weight cycling, a common phenomenon in this process, is characterised not only by repeated weight loss and regain but also by an increased metabolic and psychological burden. Previous research has shown that perceived stress and self-efficacy may play a role in processes related to weight cycling, such as adherence to dietary patterns, behavioural regulation and long-term weight management. Therefore, this review aims to examine the potential roles of perceived stress and self-efficacy in the context of weight cycling, focusing particularly on their effects on eating behaviours and weight maintenance.

Recent findings: Current evidence indicates that stress is associated with emotional eating and irregular dietary patterns, whereas self-efficacy plays a key role in the maintenance of health-related behaviors. These relationships may operate bidirectionally with weight cycling. Elevated stress levels and low self-efficacy may hinder the regulation of eating behaviors, thereby contributing to weight gain and repeated dieting attempts. Conversely, recurrent weight loss and regain may increase psychological vulnerability, intensify stress responses, and further diminish self-efficacy. Weight cycling may be conceptualized as a dynamic process sustained by the reciprocal interaction between stress and self-efficacy. Accordingly, obesity management strategies should move beyond a sole focus on weight loss and incorporate psychological dimensions. Such an approach may enhance long-term weight maintenance and help disrupt the cycle of weight regain.