Subscribe
The latest psychology and neuroscience discoveries.
My Account
  • Mental Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Psychopharmacology
No Result
View All Result
PsyPost
PsyPost
No Result
View All Result
Home Exclusive Cognitive Science

New research finds evidence for the existence of a placebo effect for an imaginary low-calorie diet

by Anastasiya Tyshko
March 17, 2020
in Cognitive Science

[Subscribe to PsyPost on YouTube to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in psychology and neuroscience]

Share on FacebookShare on Twitter

Thinking that one is following a low-calorie diet might facilitate weight loss, a new preliminary Frontiers in Psychiatry study finds. The placebo effect of the imaginary low-calorie diet was found to be sufficient for study participants to lose weight while following the same diet did not result in any significant results for participants believing they followed a balanced diet.

The study recruited 14 overweight adults of both sexes and randomly divided all participants into two groups. Both groups were assigned to follow the same energy balanced diet and to complete the same low-intensity exercise routine for 8 weeks. The experimental group participants were told that they were put on a low-calorie diet while the control group knew that they were following a balanced diet.

When the experiment ended, the participants who believed that they followed a low-calorie diet demonstrated significant reductions in their body mass, fat mass percentage, and body mass index. These measures of weight remained practically the same in control group participants who followed the same diet and the same exercise routine as the experimental group participants.

As overweight and obesity are becoming more prevalent in developed countries, devising effective approaches to losing weight is an important task. The simplified approach to weight loss focuses on managing energy intake and energy expenditure. In this study, Valentin S. Panayotov sought to examine how the placebo effect may complicate the purely mathematical model of weight loss.

“Further studies on the placebo effect hypothesis in dieting are necessary in order for more definitive conclusions to be derived,” the researcher said, adding that the “study only sets the basis for further investigations.”

Although the study relied on a small sample, the finding contributes to understanding of the psychological aspects of the weight loss process. The fact that one’s beliefs about the diet may affect its’ outcome suggests that energy intake and energy expenditure are not the only factors determining the success of weight loss efforts. Panayotov emphasizes that psychological and behavioral aspects of weight loss should be considered in developing weight loss programs along with metabolic considerations.

(Photo credit: homegets.com)

ShareTweetSendScanShareSharePin1Send

NEWSLETTER SIGN-UP

STAY CONNECTED

TRENDING

One in four people may experience estrangement from a sibling in adulthood, study finds

Study uncovers a “particularly alarming” link between men’s feelings of personal deprivation and hostile sexism

Virtual reality can inoculate people against the allure of alternative romantic partners, study finds

Two “dark” personality traits help explain the link between childhood adversity and suicide risk

Nipple erection influences perceptions of women’s intelligence, morality, and sexuality

Study links deviations in circadian rhythm patterns to psychiatric problems in adolescents

RECENT

Nipple erection influences perceptions of women’s intelligence, morality, and sexuality

When skin becomes smoother, the face is seen as prettier, even if it isn’t detectable

Study uncovers a “particularly alarming” link between men’s feelings of personal deprivation and hostile sexism

New study links “catfishing” to heightened levels of psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism

Many self-identified heterosexuals report feeling attracted toward individuals of the same sex, study finds

Two “dark” personality traits help explain the link between childhood adversity and suicide risk

People are more inclined to get COVID-19 booster after reading tweets that target regret, study finds

Study links deviations in circadian rhythm patterns to psychiatric problems in adolescents

Currently Playing

Individuals with dark personality traits are less oriented towards long-term mating strategies

Disclosing victim status reduces online dating matches regardless of race or sex

Individuals with dark personality traits are less oriented towards long-term mating strategies

Dark Triad
Longitudinal study examines the effects of adversity on wise reasoning

New study examines the psychological mechanisms underlying Solomon’s paradox

Social Psychology
Engaging in religious practice, even if you don’t believe, may increase your capacity to delay gratification

Engaging in religious practice, even if you don’t believe, may increase your capacity to delay gratification

Cognitive Science
New study sheds light on how three distinct types of first impressions predict subsequent dating outcomes

New study sheds light on how three distinct types of first impressions predict subsequent dating outcomes

Relationships and Sexual Health
A single, moderate dose of psilocybin reduces depressive symptoms for at least two weeks, controlled study finds

A single, moderate dose of psilocybin reduces depressive symptoms for at least two weeks, controlled study finds

Depression
Study identifies factors that influence the link between men’s body esteem and their ability to enjoy their sexuality

Study identifies factors that influence the link between men’s body esteem and their ability to enjoy their sexuality

Mental Health
  • Cognitive Science
  • COVID-19
  • Mental Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Drug Research
  • Conspiracy Theories
  • Meditation
  • Psychology of Religion
  • Aviation Psychology and Human Factors
  • Relationships and Sexual Health
  • Evolutionary Psychology
  • Neuroimaging
  • Psychedelic Drugs
  • Dark Triad
  • Political Psychology

About

PsyPost is a psychology and neuroscience news website dedicated to reporting the latest research on human behavior, cognition, and society. (READ MORE...)

  • Contact us
  • Privacy policy

Subscribe
  • My Account
  • Cognitive Science Research
  • Mental Health Research
  • Social Psychology Research
  • About PsyPost
    • Contact us
  • Privacy policy

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

This website uses cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving consent to cookies being used.