| Stage of Change1 | Definition of Stage | Perceived Importance of Weight Loss2 | Confidence Level of Individual2 | Questions or Context to Explore | Issues to Identify and Resolve | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Precontemplation |
Not thinking at all about weight loss | Zero (or it may be higher, but confidence level is zero) | Zero or not relevant, since importance is zero | Are you overwhelmed? Is weight a health or an appearance issue for you? What are your priorities? | Clarify how weight relates to your physical, mental and emotional health and self-image | ||||
| Contemplation |
Thinking about initiating a weight loss effort | Low, but importance may be increasing | Low. Not sure weight loss is achievable | Have you been overweight for many years? Have you tried and failed at weight loss? | In the past, what worked or didn’t work and why? What is different now? | ||||
| Preparation |
Getting ready to change. Identifying resources and support in the community | Medium, but growing higher in importance relative to other concerns | Low to medium. Wondering can I do it? Thinking about weight loss goals | How to rearrange the day to make room for classes or meetings, food preparation, etc. | Resources to join a weight loss organization, see a dietitian or doctor, etc. Transportation concerns? | ||||
| Action |
Taking the first steps: attending a meeting, buying a book or product | High | High. Optimistic, I can do it! | How is family or significant other reacting to weight loss? | Feeling overwhelmed by all the changes needed? Reinforce goals. Prepare for challenges | ||||
| Maintenance | Sustaining the commitment | High. May discover health improves | High. May discover self esteem improves | May have to handle comments from others who notice weight loss—what works? | May discover keeping weight off requires exercise and solving other problems | ||||
1 Adapted from stage of change model described by: Prochaska JO and DiClemente CC. Towards a comprehensive model of change. In: Miller WR, Heather N (eds). Treating Addictive Behaviors: Processes of Change. New York: Plenum Press; 1986. (See also the second edition of Treating Addictive Behaviors, Plenum Press, 1998.)
2 Adapted from stage of change analysis by: Rollnick J, Mason P and Butler C. Health Behavior Change: A Guide for Practitioners. New York: Churchill Livingstone; 1999.