What is the psychological impact of self-weighing? A meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Many interventions addressing weight-related problems (e.g., obesity) promote self-weighing. However, while self-weighing has been associated with weight loss, there is mixed evidence regarding the psychological impact of this behavior. Methods: Twenty four studies (N = 11,490) were identified that included a measure of the frequency of self-weighing and one or more psychological outcomes. Psychological outcomes were divided into those pertaining to (i) affect (e.g., depression, anxiety), (ii) psychological functioning (e.g., self-esteem), (iii) body-related attitudes, and (iv) disordered eating. Findings: There was no association between self-weighing and affect (r+ = .00, 95% CI: -.08 to .08), body attitudes (r+ = .05, 95% CI: -.04 to .15), or disordered eating (r+ = .01, 95% CI: -.13 to .14). There was, however, small-sized negative association between self- weighing and psychological functioning (r+ = .09, 95% CI: -.15 to -.03). Discussion: The present findings suggest that, for the most part, self-weighing is not associated with adverse psychological outcomes. Effect sizes were, however, heterogeneous and subsequent analyses will focus on identifying moderators of the relationship between self-weighing and psychological outcomes.