Abstract

GORDILLO, Fernando et al. Are relevant self-reflection and volition process in lose weight programs?. Rev. Mex. de trastor. aliment [online]. 2011, vol.2, n.2, pp.94-103. ISSN 2007-1523.

Overweight has become one of the most important health problems in the last hundred years, not only owing to the deterioration in quality of life of the persons suffering from it, but also because of its relation to diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Development. Most treatments are oriented towards maintaining a balance between intake (diet) and expenditure of energy (physical activity), whereas psychological, and to a lesser degree, socio-demographic, factors do not receive they attention they deserve for their role in the etiology and development of this health problem. Objective. To analyze and reflect, based on the most recent scientific literature, about the need to educate and train individuals in two central process that induce weight loss: self-reflection and volition, very closely related to correct psychological development. Conclusions. Focusing on volitional and self-reflexive aspects of behavior in persons who are overweight could improve the effectiveness of treatment owing to the close relation between motivation ("wanting to lose weight") and self-concept ("one's image of oneself"), processes that have been shown to be important in weight reduction.

Keywords : self-concept; self-reflection; overweight; volition; motivation.