Subjective experiences of physical activity and forecasting bias during behavioral weight loss.

Results indicated that exercise experience and expectations were more positive at later treatment points than at baseline. At each assessment point, post-walk ratings were more positive than mid-walk ratings, but pre-walk ratings did not differ from mid-walk ratings, suggesting BWL participants were relatively accurate in predicting their PA experience. These results suggest treatment-seeking adults with overweight/obesity feel most positive upon completion of PA, may not experience a forecasting bias as hypothesized and seem to have increasingly positive PA expectations and experiences as they proceed through treatment and lose weight. Lower discomfort intolerance and depressive symptoms were associated with more positive PA expectations and experiences. Understanding these individual differences in PA experience can inform intervention strategies.