A study found that women who wrote for 15 minutes about their most important values, such as close relationships or music, lost more weight over the next few months compared to women who wrote about why a value less important to them might be important to others. The women who wrote about important values lost an average of 3.41 pounds while the others gained an average of 2.76 pounds. The researchers believe that writing about important values improves self-integrity and can kick off a process where improved self-image leads to better habits around eating and exercise.