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Move Past Your Plateau


Understand Your Weight Loss Personality

According to Thomas R. Przybeck, PhD, personality plays a role in our attitude toward food. As an assistant professor of psychiatry at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Przybeck recommends you know your tendencies and tailor your plan to conquer the unproductive inclinations.
  • Impulsive
    "If you have a tendency to be impulsive, you might see a pint of Ben & Jerry's in the freezer and go for it," Przybeck says. Clearly, you are a dieter who needs to remove those temptations.
  • Oblivious
    If you tend to not pay attention when you eat—maybe you're a TV snacker?—you need to avoid such situations if you want to control portions.
  • Uptight
    "If you are highly anxious, you will probably have more difficulty," Przybeck says. "Those who are anxious, nervous and depressed might eat to feel better."
  • Tenacious
    Certain personalities don't find it that difficult losing weight. "If you are highly self-directed, cooperative and have a lot of stick-to-it-ive-ness, you are going to have an easier time," Przybeck says.
  • Sociable
    Przybeck also found that if you tend to monitor your food intake better than others, you may be more sociable.

Related Resources
  • Find more health and diet information at WebMD.

Better information. Better health. WebMD



As a reminder, always consult your doctor for medical advice and treatment before starting any program.

SOURCES: WebMD Features: "Small Changes Make A Difference," "4 Ways to Get That Diet Going," "Top 10 Stick-to-It Tips," "Step Diet: Count Steps, Not Calories," "Your Summer Makeover," "Slim Down With Yoga," "10 Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting." WebMD Columns: "Diary Your Way to Weight Loss," "Stuck on a Plateau?" Caroline R. et al. Annals of Family Medicine, 2008; vol 6: pp 69-77. Foster-Schubert KE, et al. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, Jan. 15. 2008.