The Role of Behavior-Based Identity in Maintenance of Health Behaviors and Weight Loss

Weight loss maintenance (WLM) is challenging for most individuals. Healthy eating and regular exercise support WLM, but individuals do not always consistently engage in these behaviors. Behavior-based identity (e.g., identifying as someone who regularly eats healthy or exercises) is associated with healthy eating and regular exercise, and therefore, should facilitate WLM. However, prior research has not fully examined the role of behavior-based identity in WLM. This dissertation aims to examine the role of behavior-based identity, as a construct within the Maintain IT Model of Health Behavior Change and Maintenance (Maintain IT), in WLM. Three studies were conducted to: 1) examine whether behavior-based identity differed among individuals who were successful vs. unsuccessful in WLM; 2) explore the relationship between concordance of perceived and quantitatively defined success in WLM and behavior-based identity; and 3) examine associations between behavior-based identity and changes in diet, physical activity, and weight during the COVID-19 pandemic. In study 1, exercise identity and healthy eater identity (two examples of behavior-based identity) were stronger in individuals who were successful in WLM vs. those who were unsuccessful. In study 2, stronger exercise identity, greater satisfaction, and greater engagement in leisure time physical activity were observed among individuals who perceived themselves as successful vs. those who perceived themselves as unsuccessful. Among the two groups who perceived themselves as unsuccessful, no differences in identities, satisfaction, and leisure time physical activity were found among those who maintained ≥5% weight loss for ≥1 year vs. those who did not. In study 3, a stronger exercise identity and healthy eater identity were associated with weight loss during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the associations were partially mediated through positive changes in diet and physical activity, respectively. Findings suggest that behavior-based identity is important in successful WLM, and a strong behavior-based identity can promote behavior maintenance during challenging situations. Our results also suggest that perception of success in WLM is more closely related to exercise identity and behavior than quantitatively defined success. Overall, our findings provide initial support for the role of behavior-based identity in WLM. Future research should conduct intervention trials to obtain higher quality evidence.