Happy Pictures on the Fridge Linked to Weight Loss

Laurie Pawlik Kienlen, Psychology Feature Writer, Bruce Kienlen

Posted by
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen
Feb 11, 2009

One of the best ways to lose weight may be to surround yourself with happy photos, memorabilia, and cartoons. Happy pictures leads to weight loss by encouraging a positive mood, which allows you to step back emotionally and understand the big picture. Researchers Aparna A. Labroo from the University of Chicago and Vanessa M. Patrick from the University of Georgia write, “A positive mood enhances efforts to attain future well-being, encourages broader and flexible thinking, and increases openness to thinking.”

In this study, participants described either the happiest or unhappiest days of their lives, which induced positive or negative moods. They then filled out questionnaires that measured levels of abstract versus concrete thinking. The researchers found that participants in good moods engaged in more abstract thinking, which influences goals and motivation.

Labroo and Patrick explain that people in positive moods not only adopt higher-order future goals, they also work harder to achieve them.

When it comes to emotional eating and weight loss, feeling good can motivate you to make healthier food choices (apples and low-fat cheddar instead of brownies and ice cream!). So if you’re serious about a healthy lifestyle, decorate your kitchen with things that make you smile. This research was published in the November, 2008 issue of Journal of Consumer Research.

Comments

Sep 21, 2009 5:56 AM

Guest :

This was a very informative article as it really makes sense. When you live in the positive you have a different outlook for yourself and your life. When it comes to weight loss many people associate themselves with negative feelings and therefore are not succesfull in actually losing weight. If people are inspired by others that have succesfully lost weight they will feel more confident and therefore take a more positive note. Weight loss is not easy, but there are programs out there that can really change your life.

Sep 21, 2009 6:56 AM

Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen :

Thanks for your comment. And I say -- if happy pictures could work to help you lose weight, then try it! What have you got to lose? (except a bunch of weight, ha ha)

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