WEIGHT LOSS MOTIVATION | HEALTH, FITNESS, DIET & LIFESTYLE

Some important aspects of obesity involve feeling fat and heavy, struggling to lose weight, and poor self-worth, but also experiencing a sense of deprivation when you diet.

Obesity can have a negative impact on your health. Finding the motivation to lose weight, or to maintain your ideal weight can be challenging. Nevertheless, it is possible to achieve greater motivation to lose weight by focusing on your health, fitness, diet and your lifestyle!

Why do you want to lose weight?

One of the first and perhaps most crucial aspects you need to consider when finding the motivation to lose weight is to be honest and specific; why do you want to lose weight?

Keep a journal of the different reasons why you want to achieve your weight loss. This will help you stay motivated and committed to your goals. Your written reasons will remind you to stay on track when you are tempted to stray away from your weight loss plans.

One good reason to lose weight is your health. For instance, obesity and type 2 diabetes are often associated with each other. One of the most important contributing factors to type 2 diabetes is excess weight. Studies show there is an association between increase in weight and risk of diabetes. In fact, for every 1 Kg increase in your weight, the risk of diabetes increases by 4.5-9%. For this reason, to achieve better health, you might be able to prevent and manage type 2 diabetes through weight loss.

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What actions will you take to reach your weight loss goal?

Majority of people that start a weight loss journey will focus on the end results, or the final goal, such as the target weight.

Although, that is great, you should also focus on process goals.

Process goals:

• You aim to walk to your gym
• Working out at least three times a week
• Have one ice cream this week

In fact, half of the overweight women in a study followed a weight loss plan that included process goals, or SMART goals (specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and time-based). The results showed that the women that followed and set process goals were more likely to lose weight and follow their diets in contrast to the women that did not have process goals.

Personalised Diets and Avoiding Unhealthy Food

When it comes to dieting, you should always remember that food is a source of energy and essential nutrients. Finding the most suitable diet to your needs and lifestyle will help you achieve the results you desire.

Avoid yo-yo dieting which often has a negative impact on your body and mental health. Considering making your own personalised diet plan that is easier to stick to, and includes meals you enjoy and work with your lifestyle.

Eating healthy and dieting to lose weight can be challenging, especially when you find yourself in an environment with access to unhealthy options. Research shows that people that are on a diet have an attentional bias towards food making It harder to resist their cravings. Although, sometimes it is hard to avoid certain social situations, aim to avoid buying unhealthy foods at home, or make healthier choices when dining out.

Think about your diet as a lifestyle change rather than just a diet you have to follow for a while to achieve weight loss.

Challenges and setbacks

Sometimes there will be days that will test your willpower. Remember to be patient and allow yourself some time to make mistakes and learn.

New habits take time and effort to develop. When you catch yourself falling back into old patterns of behaving, use that situation as an opportunity to learn and grow. Ask yourself: Why did I do this? What would I do differently next time? What changes do I need to make?

It is important to develop coping skills to be able to deal with daily challenges that may influence your motivation. When stressed, it is easy to reach for your comfort food.  Instead, try to talk positively to yourself, and find alternative ways that can help you relax, such as meditation, yoga, exercising or talking to a loved one.

Professional Help

At WeightMatters, our Nutritional Therapist offers a holistic approach to health, closely examining not only your diet but also other aspects of your lifestyle which may be influencing your appetite and food choices.

Our Shrink Programme combines psychological and nutritional support to help you manage weight loss. Our nutrition team will guide you on how to balance nutrition and health, at the same time a therapist will help you explore your thoughts, feelings and emotions around food and eating.