Simple Changes Can Have Big Impact On Your Weight

There are many studies that show that regular self-monitoring contributes to 25 to 30 percent of weight loss and weight control success. This includes simple things such as regularly checking your weight and writing a food diary.

Certain things can be learned from the habits of people who succeeded in losing weight and maintaining it for long period of time. This people almost universally regularly weigh themselves, record daily food intake and physical activities. This not only helps an individual become aware of his/her weight changes but also helps to reveal the problem areas and take corrective actions, both with the food intake and general lifestyle.

The right attitude is also a factor in weight loss. A study showed that people who were less prone to attributing their obesity reasons to any other factors like medical problems or bad genes were more successful in maintain their weight. They were more confident and came less under pressure from others about their weight issues.

Stress is well known to contribute to the weight gain. How an individual copes up with stress is a crucial factor in maintaining weight. People who can cope with their cravings and can work on an overeating episode with positivity rather than stressing themselves out can easily maintain their weight for a long time. These maintainers are also more effective problem solvers and can cope with the demands of life more effectively.

Depression is one of the key factors resulting in weight regain. Depression, mood swings, negative thinking usually result in binge eating, low activity lifestyle and eventually lead to the weight gain or weight relapse.

A study showed that people with high self–esteem were able to lose weight more easily and maintain it for a longer period of time than those with low self-esteem.

A Supportive Environment Helps In Achieving Weight Loss Targets

Support motivates you, inspires you and, above all, takes care of your emotional well being. 

Support can come in many different forms. This can be friends who are working on the same program. Try to learn how they are trying to overcome difficult changes and habits – doing things together motivates each other. Family members and professionals can also be helpful - they can give you feedback and back you up for your feelings. Finally, you can help yourself. Books, internet and television provide loads of information regarding diet, exercise and weight loss. Individuals who have a strong support system are able to lose and maintain weight for a longer time as compared to individuals who stay alone and rely on themselves only.

See Also: Exercise In Prevention Of Weight Regaining After Weight Loss

Psychology definitely plays an important role in losing weight since there is a connection between food and feelings. Although many individuals chose to ignore this food-feeling connection, this does not rule out the fact that psychological factors are involved in the weight loss. Many of our habits, behavioral patterns, beliefs, and general approaches to everyday challenges are related to our psychology.