Background & Aims : The present study aimed to examine the role of psychological factors in explaining weight loss success in obese women.

  Materials & Methods : This correlative study was conducted on all obese women with BMI more than 30 who had referred to nutrition counseling center in Karaj city. Therefore, 130 obese women were selected by available sampling method. Weight of subjects on arrival and two months later was measured at therapy sessions. Also along with the first measurement, the data related to weight efficacy of lifestyle, perceived social support, personality characteristics, depression and body image, and along with the second measurement the data with the adherence scale were obtained. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data.

  Results : It was revealed that among all study variables, adherence, depression, agreeableness, and extroversion were predicted more significant in weight loss success and totally they could demonstrate 59% of success variance in weight loss.

  Conclusions : Based on the results, obese women with high adherence, extraversion, agreeableness and low depression, are more successful in losing weight.

  SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2014: 25(5): 381 ISSN: 1027-3727