Keeping the Weight Off

Losing weight – and keeping it off – proves challenging time and time again for the millions of Americans whose physical and mental health would benefit from dropping a few (or in some cases, many) pounds. Losing the weight seems distinctly easier than keeping it off, with the “yo-yo” diet plaguing many who lose weight, only to find it returns … with a few extra pounds to boot.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Despite all the failed diet stories out there, let’s get some tips for success from people who’ve lost weight – and been able to keep it off long term, courtesy of a new study published in Obesity: The Journal of the Obesity Society. Researchers interviewed more than 6,000 men and women who’d lost more than 50 pounds, on average, and managed to keep the weight off more than three years (“weight-loss maintainers”). Here are some of the most important tips if you’re struggling to lose weight (or keep it off) based on study findings:

You Can Persevere: See setbacks as part of your successful journey, not failures. Get back on track the next day or next meal. Measure success based on long-term goals.

Your Health Matters: Focus on the health issues that can be minimized or altogether avoided by losing the weight and keeping it off: diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and even day-to-day issues such as mobility, energy, and ability to perform activities of daily living.

Always Track It: Consistently tracking food intake is recommended to ensure you are eating the right foods – in the right amounts – to maintain a healthy weight. Appreciate how food can impact your health and your weight – for better or worse.

Embrace the Past: While you’re forging ahead toward a healthier, lighter future, don’t forget why you’re facing this challenge. If you’ve ever struggled to buy clothes that fit, were criticized by someone for your weight, felt uncomfortable being in public because of your weight, etc., use these experiences as motivation to not repeat them.

While everyone’s weight-loss journey is unique, it’s nice to know success stories are out there; and even more importantly, that certain strategies seem to make a universal difference when it comes to losing weight and keeping it off. Don’t just listen to the people who’ve made it work; become one of them. Talk to your doctor for more information on how to keep the weight off – and love doing it