Establishing, Reaching and Maintaining Your Weight

Often Wonder Why Weight Loss Programs Fail?

The $64 million question! The biggest hurdle most people face in their quest for fitness is lack of motivation, period. Most people start their weight loss programs in all earnestness but end up losing interest midway. The following are the some of the most common reasons for this lack of motivation.

Setting Unrealistic Goals

Success comes to those who can analyze their capabilities objectively and set their goals accordingly. The same rule applies to weight loss programs as well. Your weight loss goals need to be achievable yet challenging. Setting your goals too high is akin to pushing yourself toward failure, and goals that are too easy to achieve will eventually lead to boredom. In both cases the end result will be the same: your motivation levels will start plummeting within a few weeks of starting your fitness regimen!

Low Energy Levels

Obese or overweight people often suffer from low energy levels thanks to their extra weight (and consequently limited agility), so they have to put in greater effort to accomplish physical activities. Because of this reason they end up putting their bodies under a lot of strain during the initial days of their chosen fitness program and end up getting tired easily, which has a detrimental effect on their motivation levels. Remember that low energy levels are not only applicable to those who “look” overweight, but also to those who are out of shape or lead a sedentary lifestyle.

Choosing the Wrong Weight Loss Program

Unless you choose your weight loss program carefully, you are likely to become afflicted with boredom before you reap even the first rewards of your efforts. It’s important to choose a fuel plan that is nutritious and practical, since making lofty plans will not get you anywhere unless you can execute them as well. You must also make sure the exercise program you choose has the potential to keep you involved and interested. For instance, if the idea of working out in the gym does not excite you too much, look for alternatives like swimming, jogging, playing a sport, etc. Remember to mix up your routines and your choice of exercise to keep your interest level peaked.

Binge Eating Disorder

People suffering from binge eating disorders develop a negative relationship with food. To them food is not something to enjoy or satiate their hunger; instead, they turn to food to distract themselves from deeply rooted negative feelings of anxiety, depression, insecurity, etc. For this reason this disorder is often compared to an addiction. The only difference is the “substance” is not harmful, but the habit of overdosing on it (re: binging) leads to serious health complications.

People with binge eating disorder therefore need weight loss programs created for their specific needs and situations. These programs need to embrace a holistic approach which includes not just our physical body but also the psychological issues behind the disorder instead of just the physical aspect of weight loss. Those who have been courageous enough to identify themselves with an eating disorder need to seek the support of professionals for help. It is also part of our community responsibility to support those who may not want to admit or can admit they have an eating disorder, but by working together to find the right solution. We support them in achieving better overall health.

To make sure you can overcome the “motivation hurdles” mentioned above, you must plan well. This means approaching your weight loss program realistically, pre-empt the problems, and figure out ways to overcome them.

Until next time, embrace your inner wisdom.

Namaste,
Karen