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Introduction: Weight loss is hard to achieve and even harder to maintain. Engaging in effortful behavioural change to manage body weight can sometimes result in feelings of guilt and shame. Self‐compassion, the tendency to find kindness for oneself in times of struggle, may facilitate coping with the unique challenges of weight management. This study assessed whether a remotely delivered self‐compassion intervention improved weight management outcomes when delivered as a supplement to an existing digital behavioural weight management programme, Weight Watchers (WW). Method: Using a mixed‐method study design, 249 adults seeking to manage weight were randomized to either the WW programme or WW supplemented with the self‐compassion for weight management intervention (SC4WM). Participants completed measures of self‐compassion, eating behaviour, physical activity, body weight and emotional well‐being along with potential moderators, including weight self‐stigma, eating restraint, psychological coping and perceived stress at baseline, post‐intervention (4 weeks) and follow‐up (12 weeks). Results: There was no evidence that the SC4WM intervention had a significantly different effect than WW alone. Other than body weight, all outcomes improved over time in both groups. Self‐compassion was slightly higher overall in the SC4WM group (p =.05), with this group reporting higher self‐kindness at 4 weeks (p =.014) and lower self‐judgement at 12 weeks (p =.023) compared to the control group. Conclusions: Although the SC4WM intervention group did show a small increase in self‐kindness and reduction in self‐judgement, weight management outcomes were not improved over and above the existing WW programme. Recommendations for adapting the SC4WM intervention to improve efficacy to augment weight management outcomes are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Conventional weight management approaches emphasize engaging in health behaviours, such as healthy eating and physical activity, to control body weight and promote favourable health outcomes (e.g., lower blood pressure). However, weight management is a multi‐faceted, complex process influenced by numerous factors that limit the impact of behaviour change on weight. Self‐compassion, treating oneself kindly in times of increased distress or difficulty, may offer a way for individuals to cope with the challenges of managing weight. The objectives of this perspective paper are threefold: (1) to conceptualize weight management, (2) to describe the problem that arises when focusing solely on weight loss, and (3) to explore the theoretical rationale for integrating self‐compassion into weight management interventions. To support individual health and well‐being, there is a need to reframe measures of success and provide innovative ways to cope with the challenges of managing body weight. Continued research is needed to investigate whether self‐compassion can support health outcomes for those with weight management goals. This manuscript provides a proposed research agenda and implications for future practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]