Researchers believe taking photo of yourself each week is key to weight loss

A NEW study shows that this quick addition to your weekly routine can be a very effective tool when it comes to weight loss.

A STUDY by the University of Alicante in Spain has shown that keeping a photo diary can keep dieters motivated, making them more likely to achieve their target weight.

Isaac Elías Kuzmar Daza, a medical professional from Colombia and more recently a PhD student at the university, studied the motivation levels of patients on weight loss programs at a nutrition clinic in Colombia, reports Science Daily.

People had their measurements taken each week including their body mass index and weight-to-hip ratio. They also kept weekly food and exercise diaries to record their progress.

But in addition to the standard weight-loss measures, full body photographs were taken of the participants on a weekly basis.

It was deemed that these photographs were key to the participants’ weight loss success. Mercedes Rizo Baeza, the thesis director at the university, explains: “After all, it is very gratifying to literally see yourself get slimmer over time.”

It was also noted that among those monitored, one measurement proved particularly motivating: waist circumference, one of the most visual elements.

Could a camera be more useful than a set of bathroom scales if you’re trying to hit your weight loss goals? Picture: iStock

Out of the 271 participants, 71.3 per cent met their weight loss objectives. The experiment lasted for 16 weeks and involved participants aged between 16 and 72.

It’s important to note that this finding correlates with the fact that the majority of the patients who attended the clinic did so motivated by image.

Two hundred and thirty-three of the 271 participants were female.

Another useful finding of this study was that patients did not necessarily need to attend the clinic in person for the program to be effective. A support line was set up, which patients could call to submit their measurements. They also took and sent their own full-body photographs to the researcher.

Summarising the findings for Science Daily, Rizo Baeza says: “What patients want is a photo, rather than cold numbers.” These photos serve as visual confirmation that all their hard work is paying off, spurring them on to further weight loss.

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Originally published as Researchers believe taking photo of yourself each week is key to weight loss