How many people do you know who signed up for a weight loss program that they saw advertised, maybe lost some weight initially, then dropped out and gained it back? It’s something I’ve seen often, and studies show that as many as 50% of the people who sign up for them, drop out. Yet people still sign up for them.
So, why do people fail on weight loss programs?
Some weight loss programs are flat out unhealthy and unsustainable. Liquid only diets or those that have you eating extremely low calories should be avoided. The body needs fuel, and when you don’t give it adequate fuel, your health will suffer. Not to mention, you just can’t sustain diets like that. They lead to binge eating, and an eventual return to poor eating habits.
Most reputable programs, however, are nutritionally sound. They are designed to provide you with the foods that you need in the right portions. And they break things down in an easy to follow format. What they fail to do, however, is to recognize the motivation people have to eat unhealthy and address that. They also fail to educate people on how to eat properly when not on the program. People start to lose weight, feel better, and assume they can do it on their own without the cost only to slip back into the habits they had before starting the program.
That’s not to say that weight loss programs shouldn’t be considered. They can be a great first step in the right direction to a healthier life. You can get results on them and results are the biggest motivator out there. Just be sure to educate yourself and be committed to changing your lifestyle.
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