Understanding the stages of weight control

The stages of weight control is an idea that looks at the process of behaviour change as both continuous and discontinuous.  In other words there is change within each stage and between stages.

For example, in the contemplation stage, a person will gradually become more sure of their intention and closer to implementing an action plan, the more reasons they find to make the effort, vs. the reasons not to. 

As one progresses with the analysis of the pros and cons and likelihood of success of the behaviour change, the more sure one becomes of making the change, until such point as the decision is firmly made and an implementation plan has been created, at which point the person moves from contemplation into action.

Once beginning the action stage there is a long period of "apprenticeship" in which the person acquires the basic skills and knowledge - of course, there are some kinds of behaviour change (e.g. becoming a medical doctor or an architect) in which the action/learning stage is very long; the same can be said for "recovery from obesity" (otherwise known as "weight management"). 

In the early "novice stage", the person benefits from a clear structure and feedback. As new eating and exercise habits are established, resulting in the desired weight and body changes, the structure can be modified, allowing more flexibility, in the intermediate stage. 

After 3 - 6 months of consistent eating and exercise behaviour changes the individual should have reached the "intermediate stage", with stable habits and adequate flexibility.  At this stage the person is quite confident about weight control and not disturbed by situational variations in behaviour.  Thus, if one eats more or less "nutritious" food on some occasion, there is still a degree of moderation and therefore no fear, frustration or guilt, but rather satisfaction and resilient confidence.

Eventually, with sufficient practice and experience one may attain the "mastery stage,"where the new habits are fully automatic and second-nature. Within this stage there is still room for development, to the "expert stage." The expert can develop new ideas and can teach others. Thus, the expert of weight control has both mastered his or her own weight, and can help others do the same. Many experts in weight control have overcome their own weight issue.

The stages of weight control include the unmotivated stage, the contemplation stage, the concerned but disengaged, the novice, intermediate, mastery and expert stages.

Treatment require a knowledge and understanding of the stages.  Different treatment stategies are appropriate for different stages, but what is always required is regard for the degree that the individual has progressed in his or her "apprenticeship."

If the goal of treatment is to create "experts" then the treatment must go far beyond diets and exercise plans, as there is need for a deeper analysis of motivation, skills, attitudes and self-regulation processes.

Of course, one cannot become an expert without first being a novice, then intermediate and master.  It's a process, even a journey.

The 7 stages of weight control are a guide for individual development.

To learn more about my research on the stages check out our webpage:           Stage Survey Results

Stephen Stotland, Ph.D.