Abstract
Lower perceived rule complexity predicts greater adherence to weight-management programs — suggesting sustainable behavior change requires simplifying dietary rules rather than adding motivational intensity (Mata, Todd, & Lippke, 2010).
Mata, J., Todd, P. M., & Lippke, S. (2010). When weight management lasts: Lower perceived rule complexity increases adherence. Appetite, 54(1), 37–43. DOI
Key findings
- Rule complexity mechanism: — Mata et al. (2010) test whether perceived complexity of weight-management rules predicts adherence over time.
- Adherence as sustainability: — Title frames lasting weight management — adherence is the critical mediating variable for long-term outcomes.
Application
When a weight-management program with ten interacting dietary rules produces lower adherence than a program with three simple rules — even when the complex program is nutritionally superior on paper — open this cite for the study behind the move.