Problem Solving in Life... and in Weight loss

I'm doing some research for work, and came across this description about problem solving. It seemed like a great way to describe the process people need to work through when they are trying to lose weight.

"In order to solve a problem, individuals have to first become aware of a difference between the
current state of affairs and the state of affairs that would correspond to the satisfaction of their goals. In
other words, they have to come to an understanding of the nature of the problem. This is also called
"problem finding". Individuals then have to engage in a series of thinking processes and concrete actions in
order to (a) define a set of sub-goals and steps through which the problem may be solved (also called
planning or "problem shaping"), and (b) perform the actions required to reach those sub-goals until the
situation reaches a satisfactory state. Throughout the problem solving activity, individuals have to monitor
their progress and, where necessary, reconsider their goals and actions. For instance, individuals may face
an unexpected outcome or find themselves at an impasse. In such cases, they may have to reconsider their
understanding of the problem or the actions they have decided to take in order to solve the problem."

From: PIAAC Expert Group in Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments (2009), “PIAAC Problem Solving in Technology-Rich Environments: A Conceptual Framework”, OECD Education Working Papers, No. 36, OECD Publishing.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1787/220262483674