Losing weight is the most popular resolution we make at New Year (closely followed by quitting smoking.) This is likely due to a little holiday season over-indulgence as well as a desire for a fresh start. Every January sees an increase in the sales of home fitness equipment and gym memberships, the use of which diminishes as surely as the year progresses.

Losing weight is the most likely resolution to fall by the wayside. This is usually due to one of three reasons:

• not establishing reasonable goals;
• not understanding the simple basics of managing weight, and
• simply giving up if you slip up.

All these issues should be reviewed before you embark on a weight-loss program, so that, if you find yourself discouraged, or your plan is not working, you will understand why and be able to deal with it.

On the following page are some pointers to help you stay with your resolution to better manage your weight. We have also reviewed some of the newest weight loss and weight management products to help you achieve your very important goals.

The Basics of Weight Management

• Establish reasonable goals. You are far more likely to lose weight and keep it off if your expectations are not too high. Ignore all the advertising that tells you that you will lose five to 10 pounds a week. Such losses are rare, and are mostly due to loss of water, not fat. One pound a week adds up to 52 pounds a year, and takes very little effort. Walking for half an hour a day and skipping a daily bagel, dessert or sweet designer coffee should result in a loss of a pound a week.
• Know the basics. Reducing caloric intake and increasing energy output will result in weight loss. Maintaining a sound nutrition/exercise program will ensure the weight stays off. Vibrating belts and other gadgets requiring no effort on your part will not lead to loss of inches. The more you know about losing weight, the more successful you are likely to be, so do all you can to be better informed.
• Recognize that you are human. Even the most dedicated dieter falls off the wagon once in a while. The key to success is not using this as an excuse to simply give up. If you find yourself slipping up, plan to get back on your program the next day.
• Keep a journal. Time after time, it has been shown that people who record their weight loss journey are more successful over the long term than those who don’t. Record your downfalls as well as your successes, and you will be able to recognize what helps and what hinders you.
• Get enough sleep. Recent research strongly suggests that restful, regular sleep helps keep the weight off. This may be due to the release of a hormone called leptin, which suppresses the sensation of hunger and elevates metabolism. Getting enough rest also ensures you will feel rested and energized the following morning.

Back to Top