There are many reasons to make the effort to lose weight. For some people it can be for self esteem issues. For others it is due to medical issues, such as preventing diabetes. With diabetes, the excessive body weight causes the cells to become resistant to insulin. Meanwhile, the body continues to produce normal amounts.

Weight loss not only reduces the risk, but is extremely beneficial to those who already suffer from the disease. Another reason is better heart health. Being overweight can cause a series of problems, including coronary heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. Studies have shown overweight patients are at risk of shortening their life span by 12 years. Weight loss, exercise and better diet increases the heart’s health and allows it to heal. Weight loss can also reduce the risk of cancer.

Having a support systems is critical to overcoming many challenges. Aside from reminding a person of their goals and values, they may join them in that journey as well. Supporters can share information, encouragement and stories which can help with motivation. They may stoke the competitive fires in each other and cause more progress.

Set goals to remain motivated, but keep them realistic. Consulting with your doctor first will help set those goals. Take into account your schedule and responsibilities. One recommended goal is two pounds a week. But short term goals are not enough. More personal, meaningful long term goals are needed to help a person stay on course. Perhaps it is to stay healthy for the family or to live longer to publish your novels long into your 70s.

Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to weight loss.

Technology can be a major help in keeping track of your goals. No longer is a person restricted to the scale in the bathroom. There are various smartphone apps and fitness trackers to collect data while you are on the move. Social media, such as Facebook and Reddit can help. A low tech method would be to keep a journal of what you eat, calories burned, and the weight lost.

Be sure to sleep too as sleep deprivation stimulates your appetite. In addition your motivation can be hurt, so eight hours of sleep is critical. Setbacks happen unfortunately. Nobody is perfect and it can be very hard to form new, healthy
habits no matter how beneficial they are. The important part is getting back on track. Do not adopt an all or nothing mentality to begin with. If you do miss a goal, forgive yourself and move on.

Focusing on the mistake will also create stress and can lead to emotional eating. It is better to evaluate your missteps and learn from them. Be sure to eat regular meals. Focus on nutrition first and exchange high-calorie foods for low-calorie fruits and vegetables which gives better energy and balance. Do not punish by starvation. Starvation only causes the body to retain fat. 

Selecting a diet which works for the individual is very difficult. Part of the problem is every person is different and each body will react differently in different circumstances. In addition, the internet, the world too, has a great deal of misinformation. It is best for a person to consult with their doctor to best figure out what strategy is best for them.

For more information about weight loss and using a customized individual approach to weight loss be sure to check out my weight loss section.