Problem: Which of the following best describes the "false hope syndrome"? Need Assignment Help? The "false hope syndrome" is how short-term improvements in weight loss vanish when the weight returns and attempts to lose the weight again lead to less weight loss and a declining self-image. The "false hope syndrome" is how short-term improvements in mood and self-image from a commitment to lose weight lead to less hope for improvement and an increasing loss of control. The "false hope syndrome" is the intervention of a person's metabolism, which increases the sense of a loss of control. The "false hope syndrome" is the vicious cycle of dieting and binging and self-love and self-hate.