Simple weight-loss quiz may pinpoint why some diets fail — and how to boost success

Quiz-takers were grouped into four profiles, or phenotypes, based on their responses: Purple Lavender, Red Chili, Yellow Saffron and Green Sage.(iStock)

Although the study was not randomized, followed participants for only a short time and relied on self-reported weight, the results suggest that adjusting digital weight-loss programs based on how peopletypically eatand behave could help more users stick with them, the researchers said.

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Larger, randomized trials with longer follow-ups are “warranted to determine whether increased engagement translates into clinically meaningful weight loss,” they added.

Breaking down the 4 eating profiles

According to the researchers, “Red Chili” is characterized by “high maladaptive and hedonic eating, low self-regulation and high psychological avoidance.”

This means Red Chili members may feel their eating is out of control, use food to cope with negative emotions, feel guilty about their eating habits and tend to ignore problems.This group also tends to followrestrictive diets, but then overeats when it doesn’t pan out.

Those assigned to an eating profile were more engaged in losing weight.(iStock)

“Yellow Saffron” is based on “high hedonic eating and reward reactivity and low maladaptive eating.”

These individuals may find it difficult toresist overeating, choose foods based on taste rather than health benefits, and frequently crave foods high in calories, fat and sugar.

“There is no general way of eating that suits each person, because behavior and personality play such a role.”

These individuals often need clear guidance in making positive lifestyle changes, yet put off working toward goals when they lack motivation.

People in Green Sage may tend to not do the recommended amount ofphysical activityfor their health or eat the recommended amount of vegetables for their diet, even if they often cook at home.

Experts weigh in

Los Angeles-based registered dietitian-nutritionist Ilana Muhlstein praised the “really intuitive” quiz.

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“It really hits on theemotional and behavioral sideof weight loss that people struggle with the most,�

eating type, giving you mindset shifts and descriptors on what to work on,” she went on.“It’s no surprise to me that it made a significant difference in the motivation and adherence to the weight-loss plan early on.”

Effective weight loss begins with identifying habits and behaviors, experts say.(iStock)

As the results found no significant difference at the seven-week mark, Muhlstein suggested that this means the researchers “have to work on better follow-up measures” to help people stay more consistent.

Certified holistic nutritionist Robin DeCicco added that it “makes sense” to acknowledge habits and behaviors around food to promote weight loss andhealth goals.

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“Health is an individualized topic.There is no general way of eating that suits each person, because behavior and personality play such a role,� 

“Following a generic diet of what to eat and what to avoid doesn’t result in any sort of meaningful change unless personality types, behaviors and habits are addressed.”